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Cost of Living in Guilford County

Is it better to rent or buy in Guilford 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.

$76,913
$1,243/mo

Median in area: $1,243

$261,411

Median in area: $261,411

$52,282

If you Rent

🔑
$1,398 /mo
Base Rent$1,243
Est. Utilities$155
% of Income21.8%
Pre-tax Residual$5,011

If you Buy

🏠
$1,786 /mo
P&I (7.044%)$1,398
Taxes & Ins$233
Est. Utilities$155
% of Income27.9%
Pre-tax Residual$4,624

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Guilford County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyDavidson County, NC
$943/mo
countyForsyth County, NC
$1,200/mo
countyAlamance County, NC
$1,087/mo
countyRockingham County, NC
$827/mo
countyRandolph County, NC
$914/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Guilford County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,398, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,786 per month (a difference of $388).

How much do utilities cost in Guilford County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Guilford County is approximately $155. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Guilford County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $55,920 per year.