3-Bedroom Apartment Rent in Smithfield, NC
Median asking rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Smithfield, North Carolina as of August 2026. That's +3% higher than the citywide median of $1,793 and +14% below the national 3-bedroom median of $2,130.
Income needed for a 3-bedroom in Smithfield
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 3-bedroom at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Smithfield
Compare Smithfield's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a 3-bedroom in North Carolina
| # | City | 3-Bedroom rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bessemer City | $1,155 |
| 2 | Calabash | $1,172 |
| 3 | Lumberton | $1,180 |
| 4 | Marion | $1,190 |
| 5 | Henderson | $1,240 |
| 6 | Lenoir | $1,260 |
| 7 | Waynesville | $1,285 |
| 8 | Lexington | $1,295 |
| 9 | Shelby | $1,300 |
| 10 | Mount Airy | $1,310 |
| 11 | Gibsonville | $1,319 |
| 12 | Aberdeen | $1,340 |
| 13 | Archdale | $1,350 |
| 14 | Asheboro | $1,350 |
| 15 | Thomasville | $1,350 |
Most expensive cities for a 3-bedroom in North Carolina
| # | City | 3-Bedroom rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harrisburg | $3,380 |
| 2 | Holly Springs | $2,690 |
| 3 | Waxhaw | $2,640 |
| 4 | Apex | $2,620 |
| 5 | Davidson | $2,570 |
| 6 | Pineville | $2,440 |
| 7 | Cary | $2,415 |
| 8 | Mooresville | $2,390 |
| 9 | Pinehurst | $2,380 |
| 10 | Mint Hill | $2,340 |
| 11 | Fuquay Varina | $2,330 |
| 12 | Durham | $2,280 |
| 13 | Vass | $2,260 |
| 14 | Arden | $2,260 |
| 15 | Wake Forest | $2,230 |
Nearby cities — 3-bedroom rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 4 of these cities have cheaper 3-bedroom rents than Smithfield.
| City | Distance | 3-Bedroom rent | vs Smithfield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton, NC | 12.1 mi | $2,140 | +$300 (+16%) |
| Wendell, NC | 20.7 mi | $1,840 | — |
| Garner, NC | 20.8 mi | $2,100 | +$260 (+14%) |
| Knightdale, NC | 22.6 mi | $2,180 | +$340 (+18%) |
| Angier, NC | 24.3 mi | $1,840 | — |
| Zebulon, NC | 24.3 mi | $1,840 | — |
| Goldsboro, NC | 25.6 mi | $1,495 | $-345 (-19%) |
| Raleigh, NC | 32 mi | $1,786 | $-54 (-3%) |
| Wilson, NC | 32.3 mi | $1,395 | $-445 (-24%) |
| Fuquay Varina, NC | 34.5 mi | $2,330 | +$490 (+27%) |
| Youngsville, NC | 35.9 mi | $1,840 | — |
| Lillington, NC | 37.2 mi | $1,430 | $-410 (-22%) |
3-Bedroom rent in Smithfield — common questions
How much is a 3-bedroom apartment in Smithfield?
As of August 2026, the median 3-bedroom apartment rent in Smithfield, North Carolina is $1,840 per month. This is +3% higher than the citywide median of $1,793.
What income do you need to afford a 3-bedroom in Smithfield?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $73,600 ($6,133/month gross), which works out to roughly $35.38/hour at a full-time job.
Is Smithfield expensive for a 3-bedroom compared to the rest of the US?
Smithfield's 3-bedroom median of $1,840 is +14% below the national 3-bedroom median of $2,130. It ranks in the 35th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Smithfield rank for 3-bedroom rent in North Carolina?
Among the 125 cities in North Carolina with 3-bedroom data, Smithfield ranks #70 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper 3-bedroom options near Smithfield?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper 3-bedroom rents include Goldsboro ($1,495), Raleigh ($1,786), Wilson ($1,395).