Salisbury, NC

Very Low · 71

North Carolina · Population 35,730 · Updated March 2026

$1,030
Median Rent / Month
$51,058
Median Income
$215,200
Median Home Value
$1,030
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Salisbury

24.2%
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

$12,360
Annual Rent
$2,298
State Income Tax
$1,722
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Salisbury is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 71 (where 100 equals the national median), Salisbury residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,030/month while earning a median household income of $51,058/year.

The median home value in Salisbury, NC is $215,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,030 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.2% 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 Salisbury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Salisbury

What is the cost of living in Salisbury, NC?
The cost of living index in Salisbury, NC is 71 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,030, median household income is $51,058/year, and the median home value is $215,200.
Is Salisbury, NC affordable?
Yes, Salisbury is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 71. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Salisbury, NC?
The median gross rent in Salisbury, NC is $1,030 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $12,360.
What is the median household income in Salisbury?
The median household income in Salisbury, NC is $51,058 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%.