Living in North Carolina can be relatively inexpensive compared to major cities across the US
mortgage on a 30yr fixed 200K with 4 bed and 3 baths 3 car garage house with a decent size yard is just under 1,000 per month. you can rent a house of the same size for about $2500 per month - apartment rents for a 3 bedroom run about 1200 per month

utilities are about 300 per month for a house including everything

food is about 450 per month for a 3 person family

health care is 400 per month - self employed so costs are not supported by a corporate job - insurance for 2 people

gallon of milk $3

gallon of gas $4

dozen eggs $3

car insurance for family of 3 with a teenage driver more than $3000 per year for first 3 years of teenage driver

dinner at a nice restaurant for 2 with drinks and dessert $80

round of golf $80

game of bowling $5 if you have your own bowling shoes

nite at the movies for 2 with popcorn and a drink $35 -