Asheville, NC

Average · 106

North Carolina · Population 94,369 · Updated March 2026

$1,303
Median Rent / Month
$67,221
Median Income
$411,000
Median Home Value
$1,317
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Asheville

23.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in North Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.75%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,636
Annual Rent
$3,025
State Income Tax
$3,288
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Asheville is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 106 (where 100 equals the national median), Asheville residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,303/month while earning a median household income of $67,221/year.

The median home value in Asheville, NC is $411,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,317 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Asheville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Asheville

What is the cost of living in Asheville, NC?
The cost of living index in Asheville, NC is 106 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,303, median household income is $67,221/year, and the median home value is $411,000.
Is Asheville, NC affordable?
No, Asheville is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 106. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Asheville, NC?
The median gross rent in Asheville, NC is $1,303 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,636.
What is the median household income in Asheville?
The median household income in Asheville, NC is $67,221 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a top income tax rate of 4.5%, a sales tax of 4.75%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.