A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
7%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Mebane North Carolina National
Cost of living9894100
Goods & Services9398100
Groceries9598100
Health care105108100
Housing10785100
Transportation9492100
Utilities8994100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Mebane, NC

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Mebane 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 Mebane is 98, which is 2% 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 cost of living in Mebane is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Mebane Affordable?

Is Mebane 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 Mebane, for instance, where the median home price falls 9.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 0.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Mebane flaunting a median household income of $61,213, 10.6% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mebane?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Mebane, the groceries index registers 4.8% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Mebane, the general sales tax rate starts at 4.75%, and income tax rates begin at 4.99%.

Where is the Data From?

The Mebane cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Mebane is 4% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Mebane is 2% lower than the national average
  • Mebane housing is 7% higher than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Mebane

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Compare Mebane, NC Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$87,857$7,321$2,050$2,636
      Renters$33,487$2,791$781$1,005
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Mebane, NC, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Mebane, the median monthly income is $87,857 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,050 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $33,487, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $781 on monthly rental expenses.

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Mebane National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.33$24.2616.8%
      Beauty Salon $37.66$45.5617.3%
      Toothpaste $3.67$3.700.8%
      Shampoo $1.24$1.283.4%
      Movie $12.00$12.131.1%
      Bowling $18.67$18.003.7%

      Groceries

      Item Mebane National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.17$5.845.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.9%
      Milk $4.49$4.673.8%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.3%
      Pizza $10.41$12.0913.9%
      Beer $10.25$10.411.6%

      Health Care

      Item Mebane National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $146.78$125.6816.8%
      Doctor $174.00$135.7828.1%
      Dentist $97.67$113.2913.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.31$10.653.2%
      Lipitor $495.98$468.605.8%

      Housing

      Item Mebane National avg. Difference
      Home Price $202,900.00$184,700.009.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,041.67$2,346.6913.0%
      Apartment Rent $954.00$949.000.5%

      Transportation

      Item Mebane National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.31$3.464.2%
      Tire Balancing $54.55$59.929.0%

      Utilities

      Item Mebane National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $161.71$193.9916.6%
      Phone $186.82$192.252.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Altamahaw, NC3697921.4%
      Haw River, NC2,4778218.2%
      Ossipee, NC5088317.0%
      Green Level, NC2,5418317.0%
      Saxapahaw, NC1,3408713.4%
      Mebane, NC15,564982.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hot Springs Village, AR15,5621032.9%
      Frankfort, IN15,5698613.6%
      La Grange, IL15,55514343.2%
      Bridgeview, IL15,5761044.3%
      Dixon, IL15,5448217.7%
      Mebane, NC15,564982.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.