Uncover the Cost of Living in Raleigh, North Carolina
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The affordable cost of living in Raleigh, NC, plays a big role in why so many people are choosing to call this city home. Known for its oak-lined streets, booming tech scene, and laid-back Southern charm, Raleigh offers a lifestyle that feels both fulfilling and attainable. 

If a home in this lovely city sounds appealing to you, understanding day-to-day living expenses in Raleigh, NC, is key when deciding whether to plant roots here. In this guide, we break down the average Raleigh living cost for several essential budgeting categories, from housing and utilities to groceries and salaries.

Summary:

• Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC

  • Housing Costs in Raleigh

  • Utilities and Monthly Expenses

  • Food Prices and Grocery Expenses

• Healthcare and Transportation Costs in Raleigh

• Income and Employers in Raleigh

• Raleigh Cost of Living Comparison

• Average Cost to Build a New Home in Raleigh by Neighborhood

• Conclusion

Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC

Let’s start with the big picture: the average monthly cost of living in Raleigh, NC, is 2% lower than the national average, according to Payscale® in April 2025. That’s good news if you’re seeking a home in a city with access to major employers and more budget-friendly day-to-day expenses.

Here’s a snapshot of how Raleigh living costs stack up to national and state averages based on March 2025 data from RentCafe®:

• Housing: 8% lower than the national average and 6% higher than the state average

• Utilities: 10% lower than the national average and 8% lower than the state average

• Food: 1% higher than the national average and on par with state averages

• Healthcare: 12% higher than the national average and 8% higher than the state average

• Transportation: 8% lower than the national average and 3% lower than the state average

• Goods and services: 1% higher than national averages and 11% lower than state averages

Housing Costs in Raleigh

Affordable housing options are one of Raleigh’s biggest draws. Whether you’re shopping for a new build or testing the waters with a rental, Raleigh offers options for all price points.

For those looking to buy a home, Redfin® reports the median home listing price to be around $439K as of April 2025. If you prefer to rent, Apartments.com® finds the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,396, and a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,633 as of April 2025.

Utilities and Monthly Expenses

According to Payscale, as of April 2025, the average monthly phone bill in Raleigh is around $181, while EnergySage™ estimates that electricity bills run roughly $226/month as of May 2025.

Food Prices and Grocery Expenses

When it comes to daily expenses, Raleigh keeps costs relatively affordable, and that includes at the grocery store. While Payscale (April 2025) reports that food and grocery prices are 1% higher than the national average, Payscale also shares that many everyday items still come in at reasonable prices: 

• Loaf of bread: $4.00

• Gallon of milk: $4.71

• One dozen eggs: $3.49

• Bananas: $0.73

• Hamburger: $5.58

Don’t feel like cooking at home? Raleigh delivers. From quick bites at local diners to trendy downtown eateries, there’s no shortage of dining options that fit every taste and every budget. Whether you’re grabbing lunch during a workday or planning a date night without overspending, Raleigh’s food scene is as flexible as it is flavorful.

Healthcare and Transportation Costs in Raleigh

Aside from housing costs, medical and gas bills can be some of the more significant expenses in a homebuyer’s budget. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the healthcare and transportation cost of living in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Overview of Healthcare Facilities and Costs in Raleigh

When settling down in Raleigh, knowing quality health care is conveniently close by can help you feel confident about calling this area your home. The city boasts a strong network of hospitals, walk-in clinics, and specialty medical centers, whether you need a routine check-up or more urgent assistance.

Payscale (April 2025) reports that though healthcare costs here average 12% higher than national numbers, Raleigh still offers accessible options for most budgets. Here’s a snapshot of typical expenses based on Payscale data:

• Doctor’s visit: $156

• Dental appointment: $129

• Eye exam: $43

• Monthly prescriptions: $272.20

Of course, what you eventually pay can depend on your insurance and needs. As of January 2025, Forbes® reports that monthly insurance premiums can range from $400–$800, depending on the provider and tier selected. 

Public Transportation Options and Expenses

One of the perks of life in Raleigh is that it’s easy to get where you need to go without stretching your budget. Whether you prefer to drive or hop on the bus, the city’s transit options are built for convenience.

Raleigh’s public transportation system, including GoRaleigh and GoRaleigh Access, offers dependable routes and services for daily commuters, students, and anyone on the move. As of April 2025, single bus fares start at just $1.25, with digital ticketing options to make payments easier. Teens (13–18) and seniors (65+) can ride for free, as can riders who qualify based on income.

Cost of Owning a Car in Raleigh

Driving in Raleigh comes with relatively manageable costs. Whether you’re taking yourself to and from work or running errands, gas prices average $2.86/gallon in Raleigh, per AAA® as of April 2025. GoBankingRates®, as of Jan 2025, reports that the vehicle state tax in North Carolina is 3%, while car insurance in the state averages about $1,741 annually. 

Income and Employers in Raleigh

How much should you earn to align with the Raleigh living cost? Let's explore Raleigh’s business scene and salary requirements and discover what you might need to make to live here comfortably.

Median Income and Livable Wage, Raleigh, NC

One of the most important cost-of-living factors to consider when planning a move to any new city is how much you may need to earn to live in that area comfortably. With access to top employers and an affordable cost of living, Raleigh offers many homebuyers a path to building a stable, sustainable future.

As of February 2025, the MIT® Living Wage Calculator offers these estimates on the wages needed for households of varying sizes to meet daily living expenses in Raleigh, NC:

• A single adult with no children should earn at least $25.86/hour.

• A household composed of a couple with one working adult and no children should earn about $34.48/hour. 

• In a household of four, with two working adults and two children, each adult should earn $28.80/hour.

Salary Expectations and Livable Income in Raleigh

Salaries in Raleigh vary by industry, offering a wide range depending on the profession. For example, ZipRecruiter® reports that the average salary in Raleigh is around $70.8K. February 2025 data from the MIT finds that wages range from around $31.8K in food service positions and support roles to upwards of $140K for upper management positions. The MIT Living Wage Calculator also shares this estimated breakdown of the annual salary requirements for various household sizes: 

• A single adult should earn approximately $44.8K annually after taxes.

• A household composed of a couple with one working adult and no children should earn about $61K annually after taxes. 

• A household of four with two working adults and two children should earn approximately $103.7K annually after taxes. 

Major Employers and Industries in Raleigh

In addition to being the state capital, Raleigh is also a bustling economic hub for several industries. From government and education to tech and health care, the region offers convenient access to an abundance of major employers.

Residents enjoy proximity to Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle Park (RTP)—one of the largest research and innovation centers in the country, with over 300 companies spread across 7,000 acres. Major employers like IBM®, Cisco®, WakeMed™, and SAS Institute Inc. all call this region home. Additionally, Raleigh boasts powerhouse universities like Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State, helping make Raleigh a place where you can flourish.

Raleigh Cost of Living Comparison

When choosing a city to call home, homebuyers often look for the perfect mix of lifestyle, affordability, and opportunity, and for many, Raleigh checks all those boxes, delivering community and everyday livability at a cost that makes long-term homeownership a real possibility. 

However, if you're weighing your options between Raleigh and other fast-growing cities, here’s a cost of living comparison with other popular major metro areas to give you an idea of how these cities' living expenses may differ: 

• Raleigh, NC vs. Denver, CO: According to Payscale, as of April 2025, Raleigh’s overall cost of living is 2% below the national average, while Denver’s overall living costs are 9% higher. Higher housing prices also drive up Denver’s costs, helping make Raleigh a more budget-friendly alternative, especially for homebuyers who still want access to big-city amenities without the big-city prices.

• Raleigh, NC vs. Austin, TX: Both of these cities are rising tech hubs with lively downtowns and fast-growing business hubs. However, while Raleigh and Austin both offer a cost of living that is 2% lower than the national average, Austin housing costs are a full 6% higher than the national average, while Raleigh’s are 5% lower. If you’re seeking an Austin vibe but with more affordable home prices, Raleigh could be a great alternative.

• Raleigh, NC vs. Portland, OR: Looking for culture, community, and opportunity but without the high price tag? Portland’s cost of living index is 119.3 (Axios, November 2023), while Raleigh’s is a much lower 96.8. With housing costs in Portland 49% above the national average (Payscale, April 2025), Raleigh stands out as a more accessible place to put down roots without sacrificing lifestyle.