Cost of living in Swain County, NC
Population 14,065 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Swain County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Swain County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Swain County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Swain County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Swain County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Swain County
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Swain County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Swain County
What it costs to live in Swain County each month.
- Rent $762
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $403
- State tax $130
- Rent $930
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $577
- State tax $208
- Rent $1,303
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $577
- State tax $208
Frequently asked questions about Swain County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Swain County?
In Swain County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $762 per month, a two-bedroom averages $930 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,303 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Swain County?
In Swain County, NC, the average household income is $55,429 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $34,699 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Swain County?
The estimated cost of living in Swain County, NC is approximately $2,664 per month for a single person, $3,830 for a couple, $6,335 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Swain County?
The combined sales tax rate in Swain County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Swain County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Swain County, NC would need approximately $2,664 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $55,429 per year ($4,619 per month). Swain County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Swain County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Swain County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 23.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Swain County?
The average home value in Swain County, NC is $209,800, with average annual property taxes of $844, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Swain County compare to other areas?
You can compare Swain County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Swain County is in North Carolina.
Other counties in North Carolina
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP