Cost of Living
Not only do we have the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Catawba Valley, but your money also goes farther in Caldwell County. Compared to the rest of the country, Caldwell County's cost of living is 17.4 percent lower than the U.S. average. It is 9 percent lower than the rest of North Carolina.
Looking at other regional cities, Caldwell County’s cost of living is markedly more affordable. When you compare the overall cost of living, the county seat of Caldwell County, Lenoir, NC, is nearly 25 percent less expensive than Charlotte, NC. Median home cost is the most significant factor in the difference: Charlotte is 131 percent more expensive than Lenoir.
Cost of living indices are based on a U.S. average of 100. For example, an amount below 100 means the city is cheaper than the U.S. average.
| Indexes | Lenoir (Caldwell County) | Charlotte, NC | Asheville, NC | Boone, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80.3 | 99.7 | 105.7 | 97 | 102.4 |
| Housing | 41.9 | 99 | 124.1 | 113 | 118.5 |
| Median Home Cost | $130,000 | $301,300 | $354,700 | $340,100 | $346,600 |
| Utilities | 99.8 | 98.3 | 96.7 | 92.2 | 99.1 |
| Transportation | 80.2 | 97.7 | 82.8 | 56.8 | 88.6 |
| Food & Groceries | 93.6 | 99.2 | 103.1 | 99.7 | 100.6 |
(Source: Bestplaces.net)
CaldWELL POSITIONED
Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
Explore the Caldwell County Itinerary for food, shopping, highlights, lodging and adventures! We invite locals and visitors to delight in the journey and the destination.
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
Caldwell County has the most extensive collection of permanent public outdoor sculptures per capita in the U.S. Our annual Sculpture Celebration is the largest in the South.