Plan Your Military Move with Confidence
Planning for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Eastern North Carolina, particularly to installations like Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, or MCAS Cherry Point, requires a comprehensive understanding of the local cost of living and meticulous budgeting. This guide provides detailed insights into average expenses in the Eastern North Carolina area for 2025 and offers practical tips to manage your PCS budget effectively.
*Note: There are the averages across the entire area as of January 2025!
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Understanding the local cost of living is crucial for effective budgeting. Below is a breakdown of typical expenses in the area:
- Housing:
The average home recorded sales price for Onslow, Carteret, Craven, and Carteret Counties sits right around $377,500. - Utilities:
Monthly utility bills average around $275. - Groceries:
Grocery prices are approximately 5% higher than the national average. - For example, a loaf of bread costs around $4 and a gallon of milk is around $5.
- Gasoline:
The average price per gallon sits just under $3 in early 2025. - Childcare:
On average, families spend about $10,000 annually on childcare, equating to roughly $833 per month. - Veterinary
Visit: Average visit costs right around $75.
When relocating, it's essential to account for both obvious and unexpected expenses:
- Vehicle Shipping: The military covers the shipment of one vehicle. Additional vehicles require out-of-pocket expenses.
- Pet Transportation: As of January 1, 2024, service members are eligible for reimbursement up to $550 for pet transportation within the continental U.S. and up to $2,000 for moves to or from locations outside the continental U.S. Learn More Here.
- Home Setup Costs: Anticipate expenses for items such as window blinds, curtain rods, shower curtains, and other household necessities that may not be provided in your new residence.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Small purchases like cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, and organizational items can accumulate quickly.
All of these can quickly add up into the thousands of dollars so it’s important to budget for these things.
Strategies to Offset Moving Expenses
To manage and reduce the financial impact of your move
Sell Unneeded Items
Hold a yard sale or sell on marketplace. Selling items you no longer need can generate extra funds and reduce moving costs.
Utilize Military Resources
Take advantage of programs offering financial assistance or free supplies for moving. Ask for Advance Pay from your admin travel section.
Set Up a Dedicated Moving Fund
Open a separate savings account specifically for PCS expenses and set up direct deposit allocations from your paycheck. This ensures consistent savings and helps you track moving costs effectively.