Cost of Living in Chapel Hill, NC
Population: 59,889 • 2026 Data
$85,825
Median Household Income
+11% vs national
$1,483
Median Monthly Rent
+10% vs national
$576,500
Median Home Value
+70% vs national
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Chapel Hill
The median home value in Chapel Hill, NC is $576,500. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,483, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,563.
Rent-to-income ratio: 20.7%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Chapel Hill, NC is $85,825. The unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, with a labor force of 30,024 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.