Salary & Cost of Living in Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 105, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
105
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Asheville, NC Overview
Population
94,067
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$62,000
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
7%
Asheville is located in North Carolina with a population of 94,067. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Asheville Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Asheville, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$43,894
$3,657.79/month · $1,688.21/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.2%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
-$2,338
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$43,894
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.25%) | -$194.79 | -$2,337.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,657.79 | $43,893.50 |
Salary Comparison: Asheville vs Other Cities
See how Asheville's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | $55,000 | 105 | $52,381 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Asheville
Asheville's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100). Living in Asheville is 5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,350
Annual Rent Cost
$16,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $43,894 annual take-home pay in Asheville has the purchasing power of approximately $41,803 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $57,750 in Asheville to match a $55,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Asheville
Asheville's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,000.
Salary Tips for Asheville Workers
- Research top industries. Asheville's top industries include Tourism, Healthcare, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Asheville, NC?
The median salary in Asheville, NC is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $62,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Asheville, NC?
Asheville's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $380,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,350.
What are the best industries in Asheville?
The top industries in Asheville, NC include Tourism, Healthcare, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Asheville's salary compare to other cities?
Asheville's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 105), the real purchasing power is approximately $52,381.
What is the minimum wage in Asheville, NC?
The minimum wage in Asheville, NC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.