Cost of Living in Burlington, NC - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,584 per month with rent, or $1,028 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,749 per month with rent, or $1,773 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,914 per month with rent, or $2,519 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.20 $19.20
$12.13 $12.13
$35.37 $35.37
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$74.1 $74.1
$49.40 $49.40
$124 $124
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.92 $10.92
$9.93 $9.93
$13.90 $13.90
Cappuccino
$5.03 $5.03
$3.47 $3.47
$7.92 $7.92
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.53 $2.53
$1.99 $1.99
$3.98 $3.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 $1.96
$1.47 $1.47
$2.95 $2.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.03 $6.03
$4.02 $4.02
$8.04 $8.04
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.98 $6.98
$4.99 $4.99
$9.98 $9.98
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.99 $0.99
$0.74 $0.74
$1.41 $1.41
White Bread (500g)
$3.61 $3.61
$2.14 $2.14
$5.67 $5.67
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.37 $4.37
$2.12 $2.12
$8.73 $8.73
Eggs
$4.03 $4.03
$1.94 $1.94
$6.80 $6.80
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.42 $12.42
$7.09 $7.09
$22.34 $22.34
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.46 $11.46
$6.15 $6.15
$19.90 $19.90
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.64 $15.64
$10.06 $10.06
$24.58 $24.58
Apples (1kg)
$4.92 $4.92
$2.58 $2.58
$8.88 $8.88
Banana (1kg)
$1.63 $1.63
$1.12 $1.12
$4.26 $4.26
Oranges (1kg)
$4.18 $4.18
$2.17 $2.17
$8.68 $8.68
Tomato (1kg)
$4.78 $4.78
$2.23 $2.23
$8.93 $8.93
Potato (1kg)
$2.87 $2.87
$1.33 $1.33
$6.21 $6.21
Onion (1kg)
$2.80 $2.80
$1.82 $1.82
$4.38 $4.38
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.04 $2.04
$1.37 $1.37
$2.96 $2.96
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.09 $2.09
$1.17 $1.17
$3.17 $3.17
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.74 $9.74
$8.12 $8.12
$12.19 $12.19
Wine (Bottle)
$13.89 $13.89
$8.93 $8.93
$21.82 $21.82
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.82 $1.82
$1.74 $1.74
$2.88 $2.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.35 $3.35
$1.60 $1.60
$5.98 $5.98
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.97 $1.97
$1.23 $1.23
$1.97 $1.97
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.58 $3.58
$3.07 $3.07
$5.12 $5.12
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.66 $1.66
$1.59 $1.59
$2.22 $2.22
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$28.74 $28.74
$25.99 $25.99
$34.46 $34.46
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.86 $0.86
$0.76 $0.76
$0.99 $0.99
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.4K $29.4K
$23.5K $23.5K
$35.8K $35.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.6K $25.6K
$24.9K $24.9K
$27.0K $27.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$189 $189
$121 $121
$346 $346
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$52.7 $52.7
$29.91 $29.91
$99.7 $99.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$67.2 $67.2
$49.77 $49.77
$99.5 $99.5
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.43 $43.43
$17.68 $17.68
$50.5 $50.5
Cinema Ticket
$13.51 $13.51
$11.01 $11.01
$18.02 $18.02
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,294 $1,294
$997 $997
$1,842 $1,842
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.5K $23.5K
$16.9K $16.9K
$27.3K $27.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.3 $50.3
$29.62 $29.62
$79.0 $79.0
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$39.25 $39.25
$24.53 $24.53
$63.8 $63.8
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$88.2 $88.2
$61.0 $61.0
$132 $132
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$114 $114
$65.2 $65.2
$204 $204
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,618 $1,618
$1,212 $1,212
$1,876 $1,876
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,340 $1,340
$990 $990
$1,485 $1,485
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,619 $2,619
$1,992 $1,992
$2,988 $2,988
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,263 $2,263
$1,731 $1,731
$2,546 $2,546
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,791 $2,791
$1,979 $1,979
$2,791 $2,791
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,490 $2,490
$1,919 $1,919
$2,490 $2,490
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.51
6.19
7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 19, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $387 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $74.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $0.

Cost Highlights

Burlington, NC is more expensive than 86% of cities worldwide and 63% within North America.

Burlington, NC Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Burlington, NC - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Burlington, NC, United States for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find value there?
Compared with major metros in the region, Burlington offers a friendlier price-to-value balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You’ll find comfortable housing options in quieter neighborhoods and easy access to parks, cafes, and coworking spaces without the premium you’d pay in larger cities. Daily essentials – groceries, meals, and transit – tend to fit a moderate budget if you plan ahead and mix local options with occasional splurges. Proximity to Greensboro and other hubs also helps you compare services and stay flexible without long commutes. Cost of Living in Burlington, NC, United States is a useful baseline for planning your stay or move. Tip: Map your week around a few core neighborhoods to keep costs predictable.
What does daily life look like for someone settling in Burlington, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Burlington revolves around a walkable downtown, quieter residential pockets, and easy access to parks and cafes. Housing search tends to cluster around tree-lined streets, with a mix of apartments and small houses you can tour on weekends. Food options range from farmers markets and casual eateries to reliable supermarkets, making it easy to cook at home or try diverse dining. For getting around, a car is common, while local bus routes and bike lanes support shorter trips to errands or coworking spaces. Co-working hubs, libraries, and wifi-friendly cafes help you stay productive as a remote worker. Burlington, NC, United States living cost stays sensible for steady budgeting. Tip: Plan your calendar around a core set of neighborhoods to keep commuting and costs predictable.
How can you optimize quality of life and budgeting in Burlington, including budgeting frameworks, ways to save, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Burlington benefits from a relaxed pace and nearby nature, plus a mild climate that makes outdoor activities appealing most of the year. Think in practical budgeting terms: set a simple framework (essentials, savings, discretionary) and track it against a steady monthly rhythm, adjusting for seasonality in energy use and grocery costs. Save by choosing longer rental terms, shopping at local markets, and using public transit or bikes for shorter trips. Neighborhood fit matters – downtown areas suit social nomads and entrepreneurs, while residential belts offer quieter routines and family-friendly amenities. Tip: Build a flexible plan that leaves room for spontaneous weekend explorations.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Burlington, NC?
All in, Burlington, NC runs about $2,584 monthly with rent, or $1,028 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Is Burlington, NC really that expensive?
Burlington, NC is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,584. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Burlington, NC?
You'll want at least $3,876 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Burlington, NC. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Burlington, NC?
In Burlington, NC's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,618 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,340. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Why are groceries so expensive in Burlington, NC?
Groceries in Burlington, NC aren't cheap – expect to spend around $387 per month. Even basic staples are priced above global averages, and organic or imported products push the bill higher. Cooking at home still saves money versus eating out, but food is a noticeable expense here.
What should I budget for food in Burlington, NC?
Groceries are expensive in Burlington, NC – about $387 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
Is $1,500 enough to cover living costs in Burlington, NC?
$1,500 in Burlington, NC is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,584, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
What are the pros and cons of living in Burlington, NC?
Quality of life in Burlington, NC is genuinely good – highlights include clean air, family-friendly facilities, wellness scene, and monthly costs hover around $2,584. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

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