A Picturesque Resort Town In North Carolina Has Lake-Side Charm And A Below Average Cost Of Living

If you are craving a change in scenery, as well as reduction in your living costs, it might be time to move somewhere else, especially if you are currently living in one of the most expensive states in America. One place that has charm to spare, with a cost of living that is significantly less than average across the United States, look no further than Southport, North Carolina.

Residents are not only thrilled to be living in a beautiful resort town next to a lake, but because the cost of living for a single person is not just manageable, but actually a smart financial move. According to Best Places, the annual cost of living for a single person in Southport is $36,400, which comes out to just a little over $3,000 per month, 36.4% less than the average across the rest of the United States. While moving an entire family to Southport might not be the right choice to cut down on expenses, single people can thrive in this lake-side town with lower prices on rent, food, and transportation, all supported by a strong local economy.

Beyond the idyllic scenery, Southport's local economy is vast and thriving, backed up by the fact that as of 2024, North Carolina was on the list as one of the states with the best economies in America. From restaurants to events to recreational activities, there is no shortage of things to do in Southport, as well as businesses and industries to be employed by.

Data USA noted that in 2023, the median household income in Southport was $82,792, which was up 5.75% from the prior year as the population grew by nearly 3.19% in that timespan. The same study found that Southport's poverty rate had decreased from 2022 to 2023 by 0.128%, with 2023 employment rates going up 5.68% over the course of that same year. For those looking to buy a home in Southport, Zillow found that average housing cost has dropped from 2024 to 2025 by 0.2% and now stands at $410,077. So not only are there plenty of attractions to keep you occupied when you move to Southport, but this North Carolina gem of a town can offer you opportunities to make more than just ends meet — you can actually live comfortably and financially happy, too.