The Cost of Living on the Outer Banks, NC: What You Need to Know | Shoreline OBX (2024)

FAQs

Is it expensive to live in Outer Banks? ›

With that in mind, cost of living in the Outer Banks is not high when compared to major cities. If you are retiring or able to work remotely, life in the Outer Banks can be comparable if not considerably cheaper than life in cities like Richmond, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Raleigh, Philadelphia, New York, or Boston.

Housing prices on the Outer Banks may be higher than in some other areas, but the reward is waking up every day to the breathtaking ocean or sound views. And for those who prefer a more suburban lifestyle, there are plenty of communities just west of the bypass, with friendly neighbors and lush lawns.

Considering moving to the Outer Banks? Rest assured year-round living on the Outer Banks remains the same — simply incredible. Review our local insights below and make your dream a reality!

According to the latest census, the Outer Banks population is 57,755. If you're considering buying a home in the Outer Banks, you'll want to know what the Outer Banks population means in terms of density and traffic in the area.

The Outer Banks' most beloved celebrity resident was actor Andy Griffith, famous for his roles on The Andy Griffith Show, A Face in the Crowd, and Matlock, to name a few.

The main towns of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head all have populations greater than 3000. Kill Devil Hills is the most populous town on the Outer Banks with over 7100 year-round residents.

The “off” season brings the Outer Banks winter weather. Winters on the Banks are usually mild with temperatures averaging in the low to mid 50's. Rarely, we do see an inch or two snow and cold weather into the 30's.

The people who are living in the Outer Banks is what makes this area so great. There is always something happening in the Outer Banks! Parades and festivals often kick off the holiday season, while celebrations of local food, art, music, and craft beer can be seen throughout the year.

The Outer Banks is famous for several things, including its historical significance as the birthplace of powered flight and as the location of the first English settlement in America.

The Perfect Place for Retirees

As compared to the northern East Coast beaches, the Outer Banks beaches have much more to offer. The pleasant breeze that blows all day long compensates during hot summers. Winters are rarely freezing with temperatures around 50 degrees.

Where is the best place to live in the Outer Banks? ›

Kitty Hawk is arguably one of the best places to live in the Outer Banks. This year-round location is known for its first flight namesake, kiteboarding, surfing, boating, kayaking, golf, and maritime forests.

Outer Banks weather in the summer months means average lows from the mid 70's to highs near 90, depending on the time of the summer.

Rental homes on the Outer Banks can be a great way to bring multiple or extended families together for shared experiences while also giving people their own bedrooms and spaces for privacy and downtime.

Kildare Island

Commonly referred to as the “Outer Banks” in the show, this fictional barrier island off the coast of North Carolina is a beach town with feuds aplenty.

A new survey has ranked residents of several Greater Outer Banks counties among North Carolina's wealthiest, despite not being located in the state's population centers, and the wide gap between top and bottom earners that live in those counties.