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Goldsboro, NC

Cost of living in Wayne County, NC

Part of the Goldsboro Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,830/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 117,606 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $902 32%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $424 15%
Groceries $327 12%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $187 7%
State tax $135 5%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Wayne County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$897
per month
1 bedroom
$902
per month
2 bedroom
$1,184
per month
3 bedroom
$1,456
per month
4 bedroom
$1,918
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Wayne County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$58,082
per year
Individual earnings
$36,007
per year
Per capita
$31,216
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Wayne County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$162,700
Annual property tax
$1,210

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Wayne 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 Wayne County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
12.1%

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 Wayne 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 Wayne County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
22.9 min
Drive alone
82.0%
Public transit
0.4%
Work from home
4.0%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Wayne County

What it costs to live in Wayne County each month.

Single person
$2,830
per month
  • Rent $902
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $424
  • State tax $135
Couple
$4,137
per month
  • Rent $1,184
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $620
  • State tax $218
Family
$6,541
per month
  • Rent $1,456
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $620
  • State tax $218

Frequently asked questions about Wayne County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Wayne County?

In Wayne County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $902 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,184 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,456 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Wayne County?

In Wayne County, NC, the average household income is $58,082 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,007 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Wayne County?

The estimated cost of living in Wayne County, NC is approximately $2,830 per month for a single person, $4,137 for a couple, $6,541 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Wayne County?

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

Is Wayne County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Wayne County, NC would need approximately $2,830 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $58,082 per year ($4,840 per month). Wayne County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Wayne County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Wayne County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 12.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Wayne County?

The average home value in Wayne County, NC is $162,700, with average annual property taxes of $1,210, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Wayne County compare to other areas?

You can compare Wayne County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Wayne County is in the Goldsboro, 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 Wayne 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