Buying in North Carolina: what the numbers look like
North Carolina sits mid-pack for property taxes — 0.63% average effective rate (36th of 50, national average ≈ 0.94%), which works out to about $2,079 a year on the typical $330,000 home. On the insurance side, North Carolina homeowners average about $2,700 a year — near the 50-state average of $2,682. Coastal wind exposure raises premiums east of I-95.
Put together at an illustrative 6.5% rate (30-year, 20% down), the typical North Carolina purchase pencils out near $2,067/month: $1,669 principal & interest + $173 tax + $225 insurance. That's the number the calculator above starts from — swap in your real price, rate quote, and county figures to make it yours.
Property taxes & closing costs in North Carolina
Rates vary meaningfully by county and school district within North Carolina, so treat the 0.63% state average as a starting point and confirm your county's rate with the assessor before locking a budget.
Transfer tax: Excise tax of $1 per $500 (0.2%); a few coastal counties add a land transfer tax. Closing costs also include lender, title, and recording fees — typically 2–5% of the price all-in.
North Carolina at a glance
| Typical home value (Zillow, 2025) | $330,000 (27th highest) |
| Avg. effective property tax (2023) | 0.63% ≈ $173/mo |
| Avg. home insurance (2025) | $2,700/yr ≈ $225/mo |
| Example payment (typical home, 6.5%, 20% down) | $2,067/mo |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the mortgage payment on a typical North Carolina home?
The typical North Carolina home runs about $330,000 (Zillow, 2025). With 20% down ($66,000) on a 30-year loan at an illustrative 6.5% rate, the full monthly payment is roughly $2,067 — $1,669 principal & interest, $173 property tax, and $225 insurance. Adjust every input above to match your own price and quote.
What is the property tax rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina's average effective rate is 0.63% of home value — the 36th lowest — that is, 15th lowest in the nation (Tax Foundation, 2023 data). On the typical $330,000 home that is about $2,079 per year. Actual rates vary by county and city, so verify the figure for your specific address with the county assessor.
How much is homeowners insurance in North Carolina?
Roughly $2,700 per year on average for $300k of dwelling coverage (Bankrate, 2025) — above the 50-state average of $2,682. Coastal wind exposure raises premiums east of I-95.
Nearby states & more tools
Compare: Virginia mortgage calculator · South Carolina mortgage calculator · Tennessee mortgage calculator · Georgia mortgage calculator — or see all 50 states compared.
Not sure of your price range? Start with the home affordability calculator, then fine-tune here. The full mortgage calculator has extra payments and PMI controls too.
Data & sources: Property tax — Effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing, calendar year 2023 (Tax Foundation analysis of Census ACS data, published 2025). Home value — Typical home value, Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), 2025, rounded to the nearest $5,000. Insurance — Average annual homeowners insurance premium for $300k dwelling coverage (Bankrate/Quadrant 2025), rounded to the nearest $50. State-level figures are planning defaults, not quotes: property taxes vary by county and city, insurance varies by home and insurer, and home values move monthly. Every value prefills the calculator but remains editable. The 6.5% rate is illustrative, not an offer or a prediction — always enter a real quote.
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only — not financial advice. See our Terms of Use.