Sam SmithNorth Carolina offers incredible diversity, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast, and its communities reflect that variety in both lifestyle and affordability. While housing costs have risen sharply in recent years, many towns and small cities still provide relative value compared to the state’s booming metros. This guide highlights places where home prices, rents, and overall living expenses remain more accessible, offering options for families, retirees, and professionals seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Top 50 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina
1. Albemarle (Stanly County)
Albemarle sits near the Uwharrie Mountains and Lake Tillery, offering outdoor recreation and small‑town charm. Housing prices are lower than in Charlotte’s suburbs, making it attractive for families and retirees seeking affordability. The city has a mix of historic neighborhoods and newer developments, with access to parks, schools, and local businesses. Its economy includes manufacturing and retail, while proximity to natural areas adds lifestyle appeal. Albemarle balances affordability with access to both rural and urban amenities.
2. Asheboro (Randolph County)
Asheboro is centrally located in North Carolina and best known as home to the NC Zoo. Housing costs are relatively affordable compared to larger metros, with modest single‑family homes and rentals available. The city has a strong sense of community, supported by manufacturing and service industries. Its location provides easy access to Greensboro and High Point, while maintaining a quieter pace of life. Asheboro combines affordability, cultural attractions, and family‑friendly amenities, making it a practical choice.
3. Beulaville (Duplin County)
Beulaville is a small town in eastern North Carolina with deep agricultural roots. Housing prices are among the lowest in the state, appealing to families and retirees seeking rural affordability. The community is quiet and close‑knit, with local schools and businesses serving residents. While amenities are limited compared to larger cities, Beulaville offers access to nearby Greenville and Wilmington. Its affordability and rural charm make it a good option for those prioritizing cost and community atmosphere.
4. Brevard (Transylvania County)
Brevard, known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” is nestled near Pisgah National Forest. While popular with tourists and retirees, it remains more affordable than Asheville. Housing options include modest homes and rentals, with access to outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, and fishing. The town has a vibrant arts scene, cultural events, and a welcoming community. Brevard balances affordability with natural beauty, making it appealing for those seeking mountain living without Asheville’s higher costs.
5. Burlington (Alamance County)
Burlington lies between the Triangle and the Triad, offering affordability with strong connectivity. Historically a manufacturing hub, it now blends industry with retail and healthcare. Housing prices are lower than in Raleigh or Durham, making it attractive for families and commuters. The city features schools, parks, and a revitalized downtown. Burlington’s affordability, combined with its central location, makes it a practical choice for residents seeking value and access to both major metro areas.
6. Cherryville (Gaston County)
Cherryville is a small city west of Charlotte, offering affordable housing compared to metro suburbs. Known for its textile and manufacturing history, it has a strong community identity. Housing options include modest single‑family homes and rentals, with prices below regional averages. Cherryville provides schools, parks, and local businesses, while maintaining a slower pace of life. Its affordability and proximity to Charlotte make it appealing for families and commuters seeking value outside the metro core.
7. Clinton (Sampson County)
Clinton is an agricultural center in eastern North Carolina, known for its farming and food processing industries. Housing prices are among the most affordable in the state, appealing to families and retirees. The city offers schools, healthcare facilities, and a historic downtown. While incomes are lower than state averages, Clinton provides a strong sense of community and access to nearby Fayetteville and Raleigh. Its affordability and rural character make it a practical choice for cost‑conscious residents.
8. Concord (Cabarrus County)
Concord, northeast of Charlotte, is a growing city with affordable pockets compared to the metro core. Housing prices are rising but remain lower than in Charlotte proper. The city is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills, blending entertainment with retail and industry. Concord offers schools, healthcare, and cultural amenities, making it family‑friendly. Its affordability, combined with proximity to Charlotte jobs, makes it appealing for commuters and residents seeking value in a growing community.
9. Dunn (Harnett County)
Dunn sits between Raleigh and Fayetteville, offering affordable housing and small‑town living. Its location along I‑95 provides convenient access to major job markets. Housing prices are lower than in Wake County, making it attractive for families and commuters. The city features schools, parks, and local businesses, while maintaining a slower pace of life. Dunn’s affordability and accessibility make it a practical choice for residents seeking value near the Triangle and Fayetteville.
10. Eden (Rockingham County)
Eden, formed from three historic mill towns, sits on the Virginia border. Housing prices are among the lowest in the Triad region, appealing to families and retirees. The city has a strong manufacturing heritage and is revitalizing its downtown. Outdoor recreation is available along the Dan River, while Greensboro is within commuting distance. Eden’s affordability, combined with community character and access to regional amenities, makes it a practical choice for residents seeking value in northern North Carolina.
50 More Affordable Cities & Towns in North Carolina
| # | City / Town | County | Region / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albemarle | Stanly | Near Uwharrie Mountains |
| 2 | Asheboro | Randolph | NC Zoo, central Piedmont |
| 3 | Beulaville | Duplin | Rural eastern NC |
| 4 | Brevard | Transylvania | Mountain town, Pisgah Forest |
| 5 | Burlington | Alamance | Between Triangle & Triad |
| 6 | Cherryville | Gaston | Small Piedmont town |
| 7 | Clinton | Sampson | Eastern NC agricultural hub |
| 8 | Concord | Cabarrus | Growing Charlotte-area city |
| 9 | Dunn | Harnett | I-95 / I-40 corridor |
| 10 | Eden | Rockingham | Former mill city |
| 11 | Elizabeth City | Pasquotank | Coastal plain river city |
| 12 | Fayetteville | Cumberland | Military hub, very affordable |
| 13 | Forest City | Rutherford | Foothills town |
| 14 | Gastonia | Gaston | Affordable Charlotte metro city |
| 15 | Goldsboro | Wayne | Air Force base, eastern hub |
| 16 | Graham | Alamance | Adjacent to Burlington |
| 17 | Greensboro | Guilford | Triad metro anchor |
| 18 | Greenville | Pitt | University & medical hub |
| 19 | Havelock | Craven | Military town near coast |
| 20 | Henderson | Vance | Kerr Lake region |
| 21 | Hendersonville | Henderson | Mountain retiree city |
| 22 | Hickory | Catawba | Foothills manufacturing hub |
| 23 | High Point | Guilford | Triad city, furniture legacy |
| 24 | Jacksonville | Onslow | Marine base city |
| 25 | Kannapolis | Cabarrus | Revitalizing mill city |
| 26 | Kinston | Lenoir | Eastern NC historic city |
| 27 | Laurinburg | Scotland | College town |
| 28 | Lenoir | Caldwell | Foothills furniture town |
| 29 | Lexington | Davidson | BBQ capital, Piedmont |
| 30 | Lincolnton | Lincoln | West of Charlotte |
| 31 | Lumberton | Robeson | I-95 corridor city |
| 32 | Marion | McDowell | Foothills near Lake James |
| 33 | Monroe | Union | SE of Charlotte |
| 34 | Morganton | Burke | Foothills gateway |
| 35 | Mount Airy | Surry | “Mayberry,” foothills |
| 36 | New Bern | Craven | Historic coastal city |
| 37 | Newton | Catawba | Near Hickory |
| 38 | Oxford | Granville | North of Triangle |
| 39 | Reidsville | Rockingham | Former textile city |
| 40 | Roanoke Rapids | Halifax | I-95 corridor |
| 41 | Rockingham | Richmond | Sandhills region |
| 42 | Rocky Mount | Nash / Edgecombe | Eastern NC regional city |
| 43 | Salisbury | Rowan | Between Charlotte & Triad |
| 44 | Sanford | Lee | Triangle spillover growth |
| 45 | Shelby | Cleveland | Foothills courthouse city |
| 46 | Smithfield | Johnston | SE of Raleigh |
| 47 | Statesville | Iredell | I-77 corridor |
| 48 | Thomasville | Davidson | Near High Point |
| 49 | Wadesboro | Anson | Rural south-central NC |
| 50 | Wilmington | New Hanover | Coastal city, relative value |
Quick Framing Notes
- Eastern NC & Sandhills offer the lowest home prices overall
- Triad cities provide the best balance of metro amenities and affordability
- Charlotte & Triangle edge towns are affordable by NC metro standards, not nationally cheap
Closing
Affordability in North Carolina depends on balancing housing costs with location, job opportunities, and lifestyle preferences. Eastern towns and Triad cities often provide the best value, while foothill and mountain communities offer scenic living at lower costs than tourist hubs. Metro‑adjacent towns remain attractive for commuters, though prices are rising quickly. By carefully considering local economies, amenities, and growth trends, you can find a community that delivers both financial breathing room and the rich cultural and natural experiences that make North Carolina unique.