Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Surf City, NC?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 55.1% of gross income.
Surf City rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (North Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These North Carolina cities have lower median rent than Surf City, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Surf City
View full rent data for Surf City, NC →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Surf City, NC?
Median rent in Surf City is $2,296 a month. A typical paramedic in North Carolina earns about $49,989 a year, which makes that rent 55.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Surf City?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in North Carolina (~$49,989/yr) supports up to $1,250 a month in rent. Surf City's current median rent is $2,296/mo, which is $1,046/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Surf City?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a paramedic in North Carolina works roughly 95.5 hours a month to cover Surf City's median rent of $2,296.
Where is rent cheaper than Surf City for a paramedic?
Nearby North Carolina cities with lower median rent include Harrisburg ($2,294/mo), Mc Leansville ($2,293/mo), Carolina Beach ($2,292/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.