Cost of Living in Shelby, NC

An Overview of Cost of Living in Shelby, NC

Knowing the cost of living in Shelby allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Shelby stands at 89, marking it 11% lower than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Shelby?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 19 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Shelby. The results indicated that 37% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 63% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Shelby Affordable?

Is Shelby affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Shelby, for instance, where the median home price falls 28% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 27.9% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Shelby flaunting a median household income of $39,398, 28.8% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Shelby?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Shelby, the utilities index is 7.2% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

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 Shelby, the transportation index is 2.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Shelby, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.