Burlington, NC Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Burlington, NC Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
📷 Live Cameras — Burlington
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Burlington
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Burlington
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Burlington?

Moving to Burlington? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

Piedmont Natural Gas
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Burlington Water Resources
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Burlington Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Burlington is moderately priced compared to nearby cities, with steady demand due to its central location. New developments are emerging, particularly in suburban areas.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 4.75% + County 2.25% + City 0.5%</p>

North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.99% as of 2026.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters.
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in textiles, manufacturing, and logistics.
Top Local Concerns
Affordable housing, infrastructure maintenance, job opportunities
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited; most families rely on cars. Sidewalks are available in downtown and newer neighborhoods.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Burlington City Park
  • 🎯
    Children's Museum of Alamance County
  • 🎯
    Lake Mackintosh

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Mackintosh on the Lake and Springwood are popular for families due to good schools and amenities. Downtown offers walkability but fewer family-sized homes.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Burlington based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Burlington — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electricity costs due to air conditioning, while winter brings increased gas usage for heating. Water usage peaks in summer for landscaping.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP codes (27215, 27217) have millage rates around 0.52. No local surtaxes specific to Burlington county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are decent in newer areas, parks are accessible, but transit lacks elevators. Family infrastructure is improving but uneven.

📰 Latest NC Stories
North Carolina Living Report — July 27, 2026

North Carolina Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population now exceeding 10.4 million, North Carolina has solidified its reputation as one of the fastest-growing...

Read more →
North Carolina Living Report — July 26, 2026

North Carolina Living Report — July 26, 2026

With a population now exceeding 10.4 million, North Carolina has become one of the fastest-growing destinations in the...

Read more →
North Carolina Living Report — July 25, 2026

North Carolina Living Report — July 25, 2026

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, North Carolina has become one of the most sought-after...

Read more →
North Carolina Living Report — July 24, 2026

North Carolina Living Report — July 24, 2026

Moving to a new state is a major decision, and North Carolina has become one of the most...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.