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Cost of Living in Hickory

Hickory, North Carolina, United States · Population 213,375

▼ -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 Hickory

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 Hickory 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 Hickory

Hickory vs New YorkHickory vs Los AngelesHickory vs ChicagoHickory vs MiamiHickory vs HoustonHickory vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

St. Stephens

5 km away · North Carolina

Conover

10 km away · North Carolina

Newton

12 km away · North Carolina

Lenoir

26 km away · North Carolina

Lincolnton

31 km away · North Carolina

Morganton

34 km away · North Carolina

Lake Norman of Catawba

34 km away · North Carolina

Statesville

41 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 Hickory

Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in Hickory 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 Hickory?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Hickory with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Hickory is $3,900.
How much is rent in Hickory?
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 Hickory cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Hickory 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 Hickory?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in Hickory. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Hickory compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Hickory is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Hickory are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 213,375). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.