North Carolina housing costs at a glance
| North Carolina | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $338,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.62% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 0.75% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $3,192 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 |
Example: median-priced home
North Carolina home for $338,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $1,709 + property tax $211 + insurance $266 = about $2,186 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
North Carolina property tax
North Carolina has no state property tax: counties and cities set their own rates, applied to the full assessed value. The average effective rate is about 0.62%, and roughly 0.8%–1.2% inside many city limits, where city and county taxes add up. Counties revalue property at least every eight years (many every four), and after strong price growth a revaluation can raise bills noticeably, even when rates are cut.
Other North Carolina costs
- Excise tax (transfer tax): $1 per $500 of the price (0.2%), normally paid by the seller.
- Insurance: about $3,200 a year on average, and much more on the coast, where wind and hurricane coverage is expensive.
- See also the North Carolina paycheck calculator for the 3.99% income tax.
Other states
See also the North Carolina paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in North Carolina?
About 0.62% of home value on average; about 0.8% to 1.2% inside city limits where both county and city taxes apply.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced North Carolina home?
On a $338,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $1,709; with property tax and insurance the total is about $2,190 a month.
How much is the North Carolina transfer tax?
The excise tax is $1 per $500 of the price (0.2%), usually paid by the seller.
Why is home insurance expensive in North Carolina?
Hurricane and wind risk: coastal homes often pay several times the state average.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- North Carolina Department of Revenue – property tax
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026