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Cost of Living in Oak Island

Is it better to rent or buy in Oak Island? 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.

$88,644
$1,573/mo

Median in area: $1,573

$527,359

Median in area: $527,359

$105,472

If you Rent

$1,733 /mo
Base Rent$1,573
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income23.5%
Pre-tax Residual$5,654

If you Buy

$4,034 /mo
P&I (6.836%)$2,761
Taxes & Ins$1,113
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income54.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,353

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Oak Island?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Oak Island. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,733, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,034 per month (a difference of $2,301).

How much do utilities cost in Oak Island?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Oak Island is approximately $160. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Oak Island?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Oak Island without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $69,320 per year.