Direct Answer
Raleigh, NC has a CostOfCity index of 100, which is equal to the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,572/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $4,159/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Raleigh: The Full Picture
Raleigh — the City of Oaks —: 468,000 people, a cost index of 100, and a local economy powered by a diversified Sun Belt economy growing faster than infrastructure can keep up with. That combination produces a cost-of-living profile that's 0% below the national average. The breakdown below spans 62 categories across 6 sectors — home services, startup costs, daily living, insurance, legal fees, and salaries.
Raleigh Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Raleigh cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Raleigh has a military-and-healthcare economy supplemented by steady population inflows from costlier states
The housing market features a housing market that mostly tracks national trends, with surprises in specific neighborhoods
Mild winters save on heating, but cooling costs, hurricane insurance, and storm-proofing eat into those savings quickly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Sweet tea, Friday night football, and a pragmatic approach to spending that favors value over flash..
With costs sitting slightly below the national average, Raleigh offers a neutral financial playing field. No dramatic markups, no exceptional bargains.
💰 Purchasing Power in Raleigh
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Raleigh, your dollar buys 0% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Raleigh Costs More
🔽 Where Raleigh Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Raleigh
What it actually costs to live in Raleigh each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Raleigh's cost index of 100 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Raleigh's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Newer developments and master-planned communities drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Raleigh vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Raleigh
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-17%HVAC Installation
+14%Plumbing Services
-10%Electrical Work
-5%Kitchen Remodel
+3%Bathroom Remodel
-9%House Painting
-27%Flooring Installation
-7%Landscaping
-6%Fence Installation
-10%Window Replacement
+19%Solar Panel Installation
-6%Water Heater Replacement
+2%Deck Building
+1%Pool Installation
-16%Tree Removal
-4%Garage Door Repair
-20%💼 Business Startup Costs in Raleigh
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-9%Start a Coffee Shop
+12%Start a Food Truck
-5%Start a Gym
+12%Start a Daycare
-12%Start a Hair Salon
-11%Start a Laundromat
+17%Start a Bakery
+6%Start a Bar
+14%Start a Cleaning Business
-9%Start an Airbnb
+13%Start a Trucking Business
0%📊 Cost of Living in Raleigh
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
+4%Rent Prices
+11%Grocery Costs
+6%Utility Costs
+9%Transportation Costs
-6%Childcare Costs
+20%Gym Membership
+2%🛡️ Insurance in Raleigh
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-11%Home Insurance
-13%Health Insurance
+4%Business Insurance
+12%Life Insurance
0%Renters Insurance
+14%Pet Insurance
+29%Dental Insurance
0%Motorcycle Insurance
-1%⚖️ Legal Services in Raleigh
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-3%Divorce Lawyer
-16%DUI Lawyer
-15%Immigration Lawyer
+9%Estate Planning Lawyer
-1%Workers Comp Lawyer
-1%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-3%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Raleigh
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-22%Registered Nurse Salary
-22%Teacher Salary
+4%Electrician Salary
-7%Plumber Salary
+6%Accountant Salary
+4%Physical Therapist Salary
+3%Police Officer Salary
-12%Dentist Salary
+17%Real Estate Agent Salary
+9%How Much Income Do You Need in Raleigh?
✅ Best For
- Small business founders
- Young professionals starting out
- Families seeking work-life balance
- Outdoor enthusiasts
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in niche industries with few local employers
- Those seeking big-city nightlife
Research Raleigh's neighborhoods carefully — costs can vary by 20-40% within the metro area. The most popular areas are affordable enough that location flexibility is a real advantage.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Raleigh
What are the most expensive cost categories in Raleigh?
Like most US cities, housing is the single largest expense in Raleigh, typically accounting for 30-40% of household budgets. Insurance and home services tend to be the next most variable categories, influenced by southern climate conditions and state regulations.
What is the median household income in Raleigh?
The median household income in Raleigh is approximately $67,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 100), this provides purchasing power roughly in line with the national average.
How does Raleigh compare to other cities in NC?
Within North Carolina, Raleigh has a cost index of 100. Nearby options include Cary and Durham, which offer useful comparison points.
Explore Raleigh in Depth
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Compare Raleigh Costs Nationally
See how Raleigh ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Raleigh cost & affordability searches
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