How much does it cost to rent in Elizabeth City, NC?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Elizabeth City, NC is $1,607. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Elizabeth City cheaper than other North Carolina cities?

Elizabeth City is among the more affordable cities in North Carolina, ranking #85 out of 126 cities at $1,607/mo.

When was Elizabeth City rent data last updated?

Elizabeth City rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · NC

Elizabeth City

Name: Average Rent Prices in Elizabeth City, NC
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 18,871·85th most expensive in North Carolina·Elizabeth City rents are up 11.6% over the past year

Median rent (all units)

$1,607/mo

Year-over-Year

+11.6%

Month-over-Month

+0.6%

vs US Median

-$358

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

Elizabeth City · $1,607

More affordable than 69% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

45/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% above what Elizabeth City's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent

$1,607/mo

Expected by trend

$1,570/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Elizabeth City's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$880

1 BR

$880

2 BR

$1,160

3 BR

$1,560

4 BR+

$1,860

Research median

$1,160/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$19,284/yr

At $1,607/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are up 11.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (+11.6% YoY, +0.6% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Elizabeth City, NC is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 27.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

18,871

Median income

$52,141

Median age

36.5

Renters

55.9%

Age distribution

21.2%

27.9%

22.2%

18.6%

Under 1821.2%

18–3427.9%

35–5422.2%

55–6410.2%

65+18.6%

Gender

43.1%

56.9%

Male43.1%

Female56.9%

Race & ethnicity

43.9%

46.4%

White43.9%

Black46.4%

Hispanic7.1%

Asian1%

Other1.6%

Education (25+)

13.7%

25.1%

33.9%

27.2%

No HS diploma13.7%

HS diploma25.1%

Some college33.9%

Bachelor's+27.2%

Housing tenure

44.1%

55.9%

Owner44.1%

Renter55.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Elizabeth City, NC has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,293 → $1,607

up 24.3%

Income

$44,759 → $52,141

up 16.5%

Population

18,466 → 18,871

up 2.2%

Renter share

59.3% → 55.9%

-3.4 pts

Bachelor's+

27.5% → 27.2%

-0.3 pts

Median age

32.8 → 36.5

+3.7 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Elizabeth City, NC paid around $1,293 a month. That figure now sits near $1,607, up 24.3% from the 2023 baseline. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $44,759 in 2021 to $52,141 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Elizabeth City, NC adding about 405 residents over the five-year window, up 2.2% on net. The renter share has eased from 59.3% to 55.9%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Elizabeth City, NC market of 2023.

Community

Discussions about Elizabeth City

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View Elizabeth City rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Elizabeth City on your salary?

At $1,607/mo, how Elizabeth City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $88,811/yr · Rent = 21.7% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $63,055/yr · Rent = 30.6% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $72,634/yr · Rent = 26.5% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $129,823/yr · Rent = 14.9% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $165,882/yr · Rent = 11.6% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $59,041/yr · Rent = 32.7% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $53,307/yr · Rent = 36.2% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $65,706/yr · Rent = 29.3% income

affordable

By apartment size

Elizabeth City rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Elizabeth City. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Elizabeth City

About renting in Elizabeth City, NC

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Elizabeth City is $1,607/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $880/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,160/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $880/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,560/mo.

At 37% of local median household income ($52,141/yr), Elizabeth City ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Elizabeth City an affordable city for renters?

Elizabeth City is considered moderate for renters. At $1,607/mo, rent takes approximately 37% of the local median household income ($52,141/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Elizabeth City slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Elizabeth City?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $64,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,607/mo in Elizabeth City. The local median household income is $52,141/yr, meaning the typical Elizabeth City household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Elizabeth City?

Rent in Elizabeth City has increased 11.6% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Elizabeth City rent compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Elizabeth City is one of the more affordable cities in North Carolina for rent, ranking #85 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,607/mo.

What percentage of Elizabeth City residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 55.9% of Elizabeth City households are renters, while 44.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Elizabeth City has a strong rental market.

How does Elizabeth City rent compare to the national average?

Elizabeth City's median rent of $1,607/mo is $358 (18%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within North Carolina, it ranks #85 out of 126 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

37%

MODERATE

At $1,607/mo, rent takes ~37% of Elizabeth City's median household income ($52,141/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Elizabeth City 37%Benchmark 30%

State income tax4.5%

Run the Elizabeth City affordability calculator →

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