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Boone, NC

Cost of living in Watauga County, NC

Estimated monthly cost
$2,631/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 54,607 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,004 38%
Healthcare $480 18%
Groceries $327 12%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $187 7%
Federal tax $181 7%
State tax $77 3%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Watauga County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$874
per month
1 bedroom
$1,004
per month
2 bedroom
$1,274
per month
3 bedroom
$1,555
per month
4 bedroom
$2,139
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Watauga County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$51,367
per year
Individual earnings
$20,593
per year
Per capita
$32,631
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Watauga County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$321,500
Annual property tax
$1,334

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Watauga County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$147
per month · 14¢/kWh
Natural gas
$40
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Watauga County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
10.7%

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 Watauga County

State and local tax rates for North Carolina.

State income tax
4.5%
Flat rate
State sales tax
4.8%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Watauga County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.7 min
Drive alone
74.7%
Public transit
1.2%
Work from home
9.6%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Watauga County

What it costs to live in Watauga County each month.

Single person
$2,631
per month
  • Rent $1,004
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $181
  • State tax $77
Couple
$4,094
per month
  • Rent $1,274
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $512
  • State tax $193
Family
$6,507
per month
  • Rent $1,555
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $512
  • State tax $193

Frequently asked questions about Watauga County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Watauga County?

In Watauga County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,004 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,274 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,555 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Watauga County?

In Watauga County, NC, the average household income is $51,367 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $20,593 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Watauga County?

The estimated cost of living in Watauga County, NC is approximately $2,631 per month for a single person, $4,094 for a couple, $6,507 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Watauga County?

The combined sales tax rate in Watauga County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.

Is Watauga County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Watauga County, NC would need approximately $2,631 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $51,367 per year ($4,281 per month). Watauga County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Watauga County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Watauga County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 10.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Watauga County?

The average home value in Watauga County, NC is $321,500, with average annual property taxes of $1,334, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Watauga County compare to other areas?

You can compare Watauga County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Watauga County is in the Boone, NC metro area.

Other counties in North Carolina

Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in North Carolina

Compare Watauga County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

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
Methodology All data sources