| Index | Kinston | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 87 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 60 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 103 | 100 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Kinston is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Kinston is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 11 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Kinston. The feedback revealed that 36% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 64% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Kinston an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Kinston, the median home price is 45.1% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 26.5% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Kinston come in at $48,744, which is 40.1% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Kinston, the utilities index registers at 2% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Kinston, healthcare costs are 2.3% lower than the national average.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Kinston, the transportation index is 0.7% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Kinston are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $65,383 | $5,449 | $1,526 | $1,962 |
| Renters | $37,447 | $3,121 | $874 | $1,124 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 4.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Jackson Heights, NC | 737 | 99 | 0.9% |
| Hookerton, NC | 661 | 83 | 16.7% |
| Grifton, NC | 2,960 | 84 | 16.2% |
| Snow Hill, NC | 2,319 | 86 | 13.6% |
| Maury, NC | 1,394 | 87 | 13.0% |
| Kinston, NC | 20,770 | 87 | 12.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, QC | 20,759 | n/a | |
| Pittsburg, KS | 20,781 | 83 | 17.0% |
| Rocky River, OH | 20,753 | 106 | 5.9% |
| Ferndale, MI | 20,749 | 99 | 0.9% |
| Cocoa, FL | 20,791 | 96 | 3.7% |
| Kinston, NC | 20,770 | 87 | 12.5% |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
These are the largest cities in North Carolina
See the best places to live in Kinston
These are the 10 cheapest cities in North Carolina