Chapel Hill is located in North Carolina and has an overall cost of living that is +7% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Chapel Hill.

Housing: Median rent in Chapel Hill is $1,919 / month, and the median home price is $639,350. Housing costs are +20% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.13), milk ($4.78), and eggs ($4.72) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +1% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($183.83), dentist visits ($147.67), and prescription drugs ($26.61). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

North Carolina has a state income tax rate of 4.5%, which affects take-home pay for Chapel Hill residents.

Explore More

Salary Calculator

Calculate what salary you need when moving to or from Chapel Hill.

Cheapest US Cities

See the most affordable cities in the US ranked by cost index.

All North Carolina Cities

Compare Chapel Hill with all 163 cities in North Carolina.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina has an overall cost of living that is +7% the national average. Housing costs are +20% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +1% vs average. Utilities are -12% vs average. This makes Chapel Hill a city with costs close to national averages.

The median rent in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is $1,919 / month. Average energy bills run $193.05 / month. Phone bills average $172.23 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Chapel Hill: doctor's visit averages $183.83, dentist visit averages $147.67, prescription drugs average $26.61. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +1% grocery cost difference.

Chapel Hill is one of 163 cities tracked in North Carolina. With an overall cost +7% vs the national average, it tends to be pricier than some smaller communities. Visit our North Carolina state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Chapel Hill offers cost of living +7% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $639,350, rent of $1,919 / month, and a state income tax of 4.5% in North Carolina. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Chapel Hill fits your budget.