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Cost of Living in Carrboro

Is it better to rent or buy in Carrboro? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$87,312
$1,691/mo

Median in area: $1,691

$511,182

Median in area: $511,182

$102,236

If you Rent

$1,824 /mo
Base Rent$1,691
Est. Utilities$133
% of Income25.1%
Pre-tax Residual$5,452

If you Buy

$3,421 /mo
P&I (6.883%)$2,689
Taxes & Ins$599
Est. Utilities$133
% of Income47.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,855

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Carrboro?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Carrboro. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,824, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,421 per month (a difference of $1,597).

How much do utilities cost in Carrboro?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Carrboro is approximately $133. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Carrboro?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Carrboro without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $72,960 per year.