1-Bedroom Apartment Rent in Hickory, NC
Median asking rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hickory, North Carolina as of August 2026. That's +39% lower than the citywide median of $1,492 and +35% below the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395.
Income needed for a 1-bedroom in Hickory
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income guideline (the threshold above which households are considered rent-burdened), here's what you need to earn to comfortably afford a 1-bedroom at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Hickory
Compare Hickory's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a 1-bedroom in North Carolina
| # | City | 1-Bedroom rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ranlo | $483 |
| 2 | Shelby | $710 |
| 3 | Lumberton | $730 |
| 4 | Albemarle | $770 |
| 5 | Henderson | $770 |
| 6 | Lillington | $780 |
| 7 | Bessemer City | $799 |
| 8 | Kings Mountain | $820 |
| 9 | Lenoir | $820 |
| 10 | Raeford | $820 |
| 11 | Aberdeen | $830 |
| 12 | Gibsonville | $836 |
| 13 | Marion | $840 |
| 14 | Washington | $840 |
| 15 | Kinston | $850 |
Most expensive cities for a 1-bedroom in North Carolina
| # | City | 1-Bedroom rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harrisburg | $2,470 |
| 2 | Holly Springs | $1,950 |
| 3 | Waxhaw | $1,930 |
| 4 | Apex | $1,897 |
| 5 | Davidson | $1,870 |
| 6 | Pineville | $1,790 |
| 7 | Cary | $1,755 |
| 8 | Mint Hill | $1,720 |
| 9 | Kill Devil Hills | $1,711 |
| 10 | Indian Trail | $1,631 |
| 11 | Fuquay Varina | $1,630 |
| 12 | Wake Forest | $1,620 |
| 13 | Durham | $1,600 |
| 14 | Huntersville | $1,596 |
| 15 | Knightdale | $1,580 |
Nearby cities — 1-bedroom rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 4 of these cities have cheaper 1-bedroom rents than Hickory.
| City | Distance | 1-Bedroom rent | vs Hickory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newton, NC | 10.2 mi | $930 | +$20 (+2%) |
| Lincolnton, NC | 17.7 mi | $1,010 | +$100 (+11%) |
| Lenoir, NC | 22.1 mi | $820 | $-90 (-10%) |
| Morganton, NC | 27.2 mi | $1,350 | +$440 (+48%) |
| Denver, NC | 28.1 mi | $1,170 | +$260 (+29%) |
| Dallas, NC | 28.2 mi | $1,050 | +$140 (+15%) |
| Bessemer City, NC | 30.5 mi | $799 | $-111 (-12%) |
| Statesville, NC | 31.6 mi | $1,045 | +$135 (+15%) |
| Stanley, NC | 31.8 mi | $1,180 | +$270 (+30%) |
| Kings Mountain, NC | 32.9 mi | $820 | $-90 (-10%) |
| Troutman, NC | 33.9 mi | $1,450 | +$540 (+59%) |
| Ranlo, NC | 33.9 mi | $483 | $-427 (-47%) |
1-Bedroom rent in Hickory — common questions
How much is a 1-bedroom apartment in Hickory?
As of August 2026, the median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Hickory, North Carolina is $910 per month. This is +39% below the citywide median of $1,492.
What income do you need to afford a 1-bedroom in Hickory?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $36,400 ($3,033/month gross), which works out to roughly $17.50/hour at a full-time job.
Is Hickory expensive for a 1-bedroom compared to the rest of the US?
Hickory's 1-bedroom median of $910 is +35% below the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395. It ranks in the 13th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Hickory rank for 1-bedroom rent in North Carolina?
Among the 123 cities in North Carolina with 1-bedroom data, Hickory ranks #23 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper 1-bedroom options near Hickory?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper 1-bedroom rents include Lenoir ($820), Bessemer City ($799), Kings Mountain ($820).