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Cost of Living in Carteret County

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

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$74,022
$1,193/mo

Median in area: $1,193

$334,102

Median in area: $334,102

$66,820

If you Rent

🔑
$1,345 /mo
Base Rent$1,193
Est. Utilities$152
% of Income21.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,824

If you Buy

🏠
$2,914 /mo
P&I (6.952%)$1,770
Taxes & Ins$992
Est. Utilities$152
% of Income47.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,255

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Carteret County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyJones County, NC
$765/mo
countyOnslow County, NC
$1,269/mo
countyHyde County, NC
$1,251/mo
countyPamlico County, NC
$854/mo
countyCraven County, NC
$1,167/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Carteret County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Carteret County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,345, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,914 per month (a difference of $1,569).

How much do utilities cost in Carteret County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Carteret County is approximately $152. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Carteret County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Carteret County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $53,800 per year.