Thinking of moving to North Carolina this spring? Join the crowd. As we head into the 2026 relocation season, the Tar Heel State remains a top-three destination for new residents seeking a balance of lifestyle and financial stability.
Why? Well, there may be several reasons.
Apart from four-season weather and relatively low costs on essentials like housing and utility bills, North Carolina also offers some tax perks. Residents enjoy a flat income tax rate of 4.5% (so you know what to expect on your state tax bill) and modest property tax bills compared to the national median.
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But affordable living in North Carolina can be a moving target. As popular hubs like Raleigh and Charlotte see prices climb, savvy movers are looking for the “hidden gems” where property taxes remain below $970. Here is the 2026 data on the 10 cheapest places to live in North Carolina.
Cheapest places to live in North Carolina
After ranking property tax bills from highest to lowest per county in North Carolina, one item stands out: Rural regions are typically cheaper than urban areas. You’ll generally find more affordable living in the countryside than in the hubbub of a big city.
So if you’re down for enjoying historic sites, state parks, and natural scenic beauty (and want to commute for other enjoyments), check out these cheap places to live in North Carolina.
Note: Kiplinger used the latest data presented by the Tax Foundation (sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau) to find the cheapest counties in North Carolina to live.
Avery County
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Median property tax bill: $966
Median home price: $233,200
Known as a major tourist hub, Avery County has the second-highest median home price on our list, at $233,200. However, property tax bills are relatively cheap, at around $966 per the Tax Foundation.
Have you wanted to make the mountains your home? Now’s your chance. Avery holds the iconic Grandfather Mountain within its county lines, along with the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and dramatic water features like Elk River Falls. Residents may hike, swim, and explore the area’s acres of wilderness, and even traverse the Mile High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge.
And if you’re looking for something for family fun, Avery has more to offer. From the October Woolly Worm Festival to gem mining at one of several locations, you may visit Avery County for the low property taxes, but stay for the number of things to do and see.
Jackson County
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Median property tax bill: $938
Median home price: $253,900
Jackson County is located in the southwestern region of North Carolina and has roughly 45,281 residents (according to the latest Census data). Home prices are higher than in other counties on this list, with the median at $253,900. But the median property tax bill is below $940, according to the Tax Foundation.
Jackson is known for record-breaking waterfalls. Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet, is the highest east of the Rockies, and other popular spots include Silver Run and High Falls at Lake Glenville. Residents and tourists alike can go for easy access to swimming, boating, and water skiing — and for those new to river adventures, there’s tubing along the Tuckasegee River.
The area is culturally alive as well. You can visit nearby Oconaluftee Indian Village to experience a 1760s Cherokee lifestyle, journey on the Jackson County Ale Trail, or visit year-round festivals put on by diverse mountain towns.
Searching for a low property tax area with plenty of water recreation and culture? Jackson County might be the perfect place for you and your family.
Jones County
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Median property tax bill: $926
Median home price: $122,600
Homes in Jones tend to have a lower median price, at around $122,600. Property taxes, too, can be cheap, with a median bill of $926, per the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
For those seeking a quiet, agricultural lifestyle, Jones County offers a unique combination of history and protected wilderness. Approximately 65% of the county is encompassed by the Hofmann and Croatan Forests, creating a natural “buffer” that preserves the area’s tranquil character for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing.
Steeped in American Revolutionary heritage, the county features well-preserved historic districts and antebellum homes. The pace of life is anchored by the Trent and White Oak Rivers; notably, the Trent is recognized as one of the world’s oldest rivers, according to the county website.
So whether you enjoy fishing and hunting, or peaceful days by the riverside, Jones County is a great place to relax — not just your spirit, but your wallet as well.
Duplin County
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Median property tax bill: $912
Median home price: $123,200
Home prices in Duplin sit comfortably at $123,200, with median property tax bills under $915, according to Tax Foundation data. This property tax bill in Duplin is also cheaper than in all surrounding North Carolina counties.
Duplin County is the center of North Carolina’s coastal wine region and home to the world’s largest producer of muscadine wine.
Foodies also enjoy several culinary festivals held throughout the year, including the NC Poultry Jubilee in Rose Hill and the NC Pickle Festival in nearby Mount Olive. Activities include everything from a 5k run and pickleball tournament to carnival rides and fried chicken cooked in the World’s Largest Frying Pan.
And like other counties on this list, recreational outdoor adventures abound in the form of camping, fishing, or boating near the Northeast Cape Fear River.
Come to Duplin for affordable property taxes, but stay for the eats, drinks, and local charm.
McDowell County
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Median property tax bill: $871
Median home price: $168,300
The median property tax bill in McDowell is cheap, at slightly more than $870. Home prices can also be relatively low, with a median of about $168,300, per the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
McDowell offers extensive access to the Pisgah National Forest, encompassing about 70,000 acres of rugged terrain and part of the iconic Linville Gorge Wilderness. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Eastern U.S.,” this landscape provides recreational opportunities through mountain biking, rock climbing, and waterfall trails.
The county’s historical prestige is equally significant; the landmark Carson House once hosted figures like Davy Crockett and Andrew Jackson. McDowell has even served as the cinematic backdrop for the 1992 film “The Last of the Mohicans.”
If you want to be a part of history but still enjoy the natural splendor that North Carolina has to offer, consider McDowell County — and your budget may thank you.
Swain County
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Median property tax bill: $844
Median home price: $209,800
Swain County property tax bills are generally low, with the median at $844. The median home prices in the area, too, can be relatively cheap (compared to some others on this list), at $209,800, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Explorers, get ready: This may be the best county for you yet. About 85% of Swain County’s land is contained within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. Residents get discounts on scenic railway rides on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, including on themed excursions like “The Polar Express” and other seasonal events throughout the year.
Plus, whitewater rafting along the Nantahala River serves over 200,000 visitors annually, making it a prime spot for activities like kayaking, rafting, and even ziplining.
Are you an adventurer at heart, dying to settle down in natural beauty? Swain County could be the place for you.
Graham County
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Median property tax bill: $842
Median home price: $155,800
Homes may be pretty affordable in Graham County, with a median price around $155,800, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Median property taxes can also be cheap for North Carolina, since the median county bill is $842.
Graham County borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with two-thirds of its area protected by the Nantahala National Forest. Also, the county features one of the few remaining old-growth forests in the eastern U.S., with some trees estimated to be over 450 years old.
Residents can jump into Lake Santeetlah for stunning shoreline views and plenty of swimming, canoeing, and recreation, too. Graham County scenery is so beautiful that major films like “The Fugitive” and “Nell” chose Graham as a setting.
For plenty of outdoor activities to do, check out Graham County — you’ll be glad you did.
Robeson County
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Median property tax bill: $799
Median home price: $88,600
Among the counties on our cheapest places list, Robeson County has the lowest median home price at $88,600. Property taxes, too, are relatively low, at just under $800, according to the Tax Foundation.
Robeson has the most land of any North Carolina county, offering trails, agriculture, and water activities. Residents can kayak along 115 miles of Lumber River State Park, or explore 142 acres of swimming, boating, disc golf, and walking at Luther Britt Park.
The county is also known for its unique historic ties. It’s home to the Lumbee Tribe — the largest tribe east of the Mississippi, whose history residents can learn more about at one of several museums.
Come to Robeson for the low home price and property tax bill, but stay for historic charm and wide-open spaces.
Bertie County
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Median property tax bill: $764
Median home price: $95,800
Located in North Carolina’s “inner banks” is Bertie County, with a median property tax bill of $764 and a median home price of $95,800, per the U.S. Census Bureau. Both the home cost and property tax bill are cheaper than in all surrounding counties.
Looking for a low-cost place near the sound? Look no further. Bertie is located inside a pocket of North Carolina, with the Cashie River leading to the Albemarle Sound. Residents enjoy walking along the river boardwalk or taking a trip down to Bertie Beach for picnics, fishing, and swimming.
Golf is also popular in the area, with one course having views of the water. Plus, hunting at specialized preserves, like the Bub Jackson Hunting Preserve, has opportunities for whitetail deer, black bear, and spring turkey.
So whether you’re searching for waterfront property or avoiding high property taxes, consider Bertie County, North Carolina, as your next destination.
Hyde County
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Median property tax bill: $753
Median home price: $119,600
Hyde is the cheapest place to live in North Carolina, according to the Tax Foundation, with a median property tax bill of just $753 and home prices of around $119,600.
Hyde is located along the coastal plains and is famous for its water access, with the state’s largest lake and the Pamlico Sound.
While the county includes the prestigious destination of Ocracoke Island and its iconic lighthouse, the mainland remains one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. Despite being the state’s second-largest county by total area, its population of just 4,500 residents ensures an uncrowded feel rather than a “tourist trap.”
Ergo, if you’re shopping for a place nearer the beach that’s on a budget, the cheapest place in North Carolina might be the ticket.