Carrboro, NC

Above Avg · 119

North Carolina · Population 21,170 · Updated March 2026

$1,337
Median Rent / Month
$85,927
Median Income
$507,100
Median Home Value
$1,447
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Carrboro

18.7%
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

$16,044
Annual Rent
$3,867
State Income Tax
$4,057
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Carrboro is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 119 (where 100 equals the national median), Carrboro residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,337/month while earning a median household income of $85,927/year.

The median home value in Carrboro, NC is $507,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,447 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% 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 Carrboro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Carrboro

What is the cost of living in Carrboro, NC?
The cost of living index in Carrboro, NC is 119 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,337, median household income is $85,927/year, and the median home value is $507,100.
Is Carrboro, NC affordable?
No, Carrboro is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 119. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Carrboro, NC?
The median gross rent in Carrboro, NC is $1,337 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,044.
What is the median household income in Carrboro?
The median household income in Carrboro, NC is $85,927 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%.