Cost of living in Raleigh, North Carolina
Wake County, NC
Part of the Raleigh Metro Area
Population 1,151,009 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Raleigh
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Raleigh
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Raleigh
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Raleigh
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Raleigh
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Raleigh
State and local tax rates for North Carolina.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Raleigh
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Raleigh
What it costs to live in Raleigh each month.
- Rent $1,592
- Energy $187
- Water $55
- Groceries $327
- Transport $250
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $731
- State tax $205
- Rent $1,763
- Energy $224
- Water $65
- Groceries $542
- Transport $350
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $1,336
- State tax $382
- Rent $2,192
- Energy $280
- Water $75
- Groceries $822
- Transport $450
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $1,336
- State tax $382
Frequently asked questions about Raleigh
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Raleigh?
In Raleigh, North Carolina, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,592 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,763 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,192 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Raleigh?
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the average household income is $101,763 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $54,712 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh?
The estimated cost of living in Raleigh, North Carolina is approximately $3,827 per month for a single person, $5,526 for a couple, $8,087 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Raleigh?
The combined sales tax rate in Raleigh, North Carolina is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.
Is Raleigh an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Raleigh, North Carolina would need approximately $3,827 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $101,763 per year ($8,480 per month). Raleigh is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Raleigh?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Raleigh, North Carolina is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Raleigh?
The average home value in Raleigh, North Carolina is $422,800, with average annual property taxes of $3,023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Raleigh compare to other areas?
You can compare Raleigh, North Carolina with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Raleigh is in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area.
Other counties in North Carolina
Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in North CarolinaCompare Raleigh with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP