North Carolina motel prices have no official statewide average, so plan by city. In late October 2026, KAYAK’s motel pages showed two-week weeknight averages of about $65 in Raleigh, $72 in Charlotte, $115 in Asheville and $165 in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks. Weekends and peak months cost more, especially at the beach, and state and local taxes are added at checkout.
Quick Answer
Recent KAYAK weeknight averages: about $65 in Raleigh, $72 in Charlotte, $115 in Asheville and $165 in Kill Devil Hills, with weekends and peak months higher. North Carolina taxes room rentals at the state general rate (4.75%) plus local rates, and local occupancy taxes can apply.
North Carolina Motel Prices by City
These figures come from KAYAK’s motel page for each city. KAYAK averages weeknight (Sunday to Thursday) and weekend (Friday and Saturday) prices over the last two weeks, and shows month, day and booking-window figures from the last 12 months of searches. The pages change often and sometimes contradict themselves, so treat the numbers as a guide, not a quote.
| City | Weeknight / weekend (2 weeks) | Cheapest and priciest month | Cheapest and priciest day | Booking window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $65 / $76 | January $54 / October $67 | Wednesday $58 / Saturday $76 | Not stated |
| Charlotte | $72 / $81 | August $62 / April $72 | Wednesday $62 / Friday $87 | 42 days ahead |
| Asheville | $115 / $146 | January $83 / October $139 | Sunday $86 / Saturday $169 | 26 days ahead |
| Kill Devil Hills (Outer Banks) | $165 / $315 | February $50 / July $295 | Sunday $141 / Saturday $329 | 53 days ahead |
Charlotte, Asheville and Kill Devil Hills also showed an “overall” motel average ($72, $257 and $89), but KAYAK does not say what period those cover and Asheville’s is far above its own monthly and weekday figures, so we compare the two-week averages instead. We found no official source for a North Carolina statewide motel average.
What Changes Motel Prices in North Carolina?
- Region: Charlotte and Raleigh motels were the cheapest on KAYAK’s recent averages. Asheville and the Outer Banks cost more.
- Season: Asheville peaked in October (about $139, fall color) and was cheapest in January (about $83). Kill Devil Hills ran from about $50 in February to $295 in July. Charlotte and Raleigh moved much less over the year.
- Day of the week: Saturday was the priciest day in Asheville, Raleigh and Kill Devil Hills, and Friday in Charlotte. Sunday or Wednesday was cheapest.
- Events and demand: Beach holidays, fall color weekends, conventions and college events can raise rates.
Taxes and Fees on North Carolina Motel Rooms
The North Carolina Department of Revenue says room rentals are taxed at the state general rate and applicable local rates. The state general sales tax rate is 4.75%, and county rates are added on top. Counties and cities can also charge their own occupancy taxes, so the total differs by location. Compare the final checkout total rather than the advertised nightly rate, and read our hotel occupancy tax by state guide for context.
Also look for pet fees, parking charges and a refundable card hold at check-in. Since May 2025 the Federal Trade Commission’s fee rule requires covered short-term lodging businesses to show the total price, including mandatory fees, when they advertise a price.
When to Book a North Carolina Motel
KAYAK’s best-booking-window figures were 42 days ahead for Charlotte, 26 for Asheville and 53 for Kill Devil Hills (none stated for Raleigh). They come from past searches and do not guarantee a price for your dates. For summer beach weeks and October mountain weekends, book a refundable room early and recheck the price before the cancellation deadline.
Tips to Save on a North Carolina Motel
- Stay Sunday to Thursday when you can, especially at the beach.
- Visit outside peak months, such as winter on the Outer Banks or January in Asheville.
- Compare the total with taxes and fees on two booking sites and the motel’s own site.
- Choose free cancellation when the price difference is small.
- Check recent reviews, parking rules and security-deposit policies before choosing the lowest rate.
Sample Budgets for Two Nights
This table multiplies KAYAK’s two-week weeknight and weekend averages by two nights, before taxes and fees. It is simple arithmetic, not a price quote.
| City | 2 weeknights | 2 weekend nights |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $130 | $152 |
| Charlotte | $144 | $162 |
| Asheville | $230 | $292 |
| Kill Devil Hills | $330 | $630 |
Compare other North Carolina lodging: North Carolina hotel prices, North Carolina resort prices, North Carolina Airbnb prices, Charlotte hotel prices and Asheville hotel prices. For national context see the USA motel price guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average motel cost per night in North Carolina?
There is no official statewide motel average. In late October 2026, KAYAK showed two-week weeknight averages of about $65 in Raleigh, $72 in Charlotte, $115 in Asheville and $165 in Kill Devil Hills. Prices depend heavily on city, season and day of the week.
Which North Carolina cities have the cheapest motels?
Raleigh and Charlotte had the lowest KAYAK averages, while Asheville and the Outer Banks were higher, particularly in October and July. Events can change the ranking on a given night.
Is it cheaper to stay in a hotel or motel in North Carolina?
Not always. KAYAK listed a $89 overall motel average against $116 for hotels in Kill Devil Hills, but Asheville showed a higher motel figure than hotel figure. Compare the final total for your exact dates, including taxes, fees and parking.
What taxes are added to a North Carolina motel room?
The North Carolina Department of Revenue says room rentals are taxed at the state general rate and applicable local rates. The state rate is 4.75% and county rates are added, and local occupancy taxes can also apply, so check the total at checkout.
How far ahead should I book a North Carolina motel?
There is no statewide rule. KAYAK showed best-booking windows of about 42 days for Charlotte, 26 for Asheville and 53 for Kill Devil Hills. For peak weeks, book a refundable room early and recheck the price before the cancellation deadline.
