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Cost of Living in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States · Population 61,607

▼ -6% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,246
Couple, monthly$2,273
Family of four, monthly$2,999

Estimated Prices in Chapel Hill

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00per meal
Cappuccino$3.38each
Monthly groceries (single person)$255per month
Monthly public transport pass$41.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50per month
Fitness club membership$31.50per month
Cinema ticket$8.25each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Chapel Hill is $3,900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,246 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,620 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill vs New YorkChapel Hill vs Los AngelesChapel Hill vs ChicagoChapel Hill vs MiamiChapel Hill vs HoustonChapel Hill vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Carrboro

4 km away · North Carolina

Durham

14 km away · North Carolina

Hillsborough

17 km away · North Carolina

Morrisville

21 km away · North Carolina

Cary

26 km away · North Carolina

Apex

27 km away · North Carolina

Mebane

27 km away · North Carolina

Graham

35 km away · North Carolina

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,246, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,999 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,273 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Chapel Hill is $3,900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,620 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chapel Hill expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in Chapel Hill including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Chapel Hill?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Chapel Hill with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Chapel Hill is $3,900.
How much is rent in Chapel Hill?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 per month in the city centre and $496 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488.
Is Chapel Hill cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Chapel Hill is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Chapel Hill?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in Chapel Hill. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Chapel Hill compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Chapel Hill is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Chapel Hill are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 61,607). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.