Tarboro, NC

Very Low · 51

North Carolina · Population 10,705 · Updated March 2026

$698
Median Rent / Month
$49,386
Median Income
$155,500
Median Home Value
$797
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Tarboro

17.0%
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

$8,376
Annual Rent
$2,222
State Income Tax
$1,244
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Tarboro is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 51 (where 100 equals the national median), Tarboro residents can expect to pay median rent of $698/month while earning a median household income of $49,386/year.

The median home value in Tarboro, NC is $155,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $797 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% 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 Tarboro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Tarboro

What is the cost of living in Tarboro, NC?
The cost of living index in Tarboro, NC is 51 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $698, median household income is $49,386/year, and the median home value is $155,500.
Is Tarboro, NC affordable?
Yes, Tarboro is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 51. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Tarboro, NC?
The median gross rent in Tarboro, NC is $698 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $8,376.
What is the median household income in Tarboro?
The median household income in Tarboro, NC is $49,386 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%.