Cost of Living in Raleigh, North Carolina

The cost of living in Raleigh has increased in recent years due to its popularity as a place to live. According to the 2023 US Census Bureau, the median household income in Raleigh’s Wake County is $96,734 compared to $67,481 in North Carolina and $74,755 in the USA.

Sadly, according to the Best Places Cost of Living score, Raleigh received 105.8, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 5.8% higher than the U.S. average. It’s also 16.3% higher than the average for North Carolina. 

Many locals will confirm the cost of living in Raleigh has risen way too much over recent years. Keep in mind it is now 2025 prices, not 2005 (that would be nice). Obviously, the steady influx of people moving to Raleigh, and supply and demand of real estate are big contributing factors, among others!

If you are relocating to Raleigh from other more expensive states or cities across the USA (or from expensive cities abroad like London, Paris or Sydney), then I feel you will definitely find Raleigh more affordable!

According to LivingCost.org, the average cost of living in Raleigh is $2,757 per month. The median after-tax salary is $4,345, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.6 months. To live comfortably in Raleigh, North Carolina, a minimum annual income of $81,720 for a family, and $51,200 for a single person is recommended.

Utilities and Transportation

• Utility costs in Raleigh are standard, with average monthly expenses for electricity, heating, cooling, and water. Expect to pay on average $162 per month for one person going up to $250 for a family.
• Local bus tickets are around $1.50
• Train ticket: From Raleigh to Cary, or Cary to Durham is $6 one way.
• Uber: It can cost me anywhere from $15 – $50 from Cary to Downtown Raleigh (ugh price surges). That’s a 20 min ride.
• Gas averages around $2.80 a gallon for regular fuel.

NOTE: North Carolina narrowly slipped to 2nd in a 2024 CNBC ranking for best state in the USA for business. The state’s utilities were a major culprit, possibly because of its rapid growth. North Carolina water utilities face more than $20 billion in repair and maintenance needs over the next 20 years. 

Groceries and Dining

Raleigh has grocery prices that are 8% lower than the national average. Of course, it really depends on what you’re buying and the quality of the brands, your habits, and what grocery store you are shopping at. But here are some average costs of basic items for easy comparison:

• Milk: $1.20
• Bread: $3.80
• Eggs: $3.83
• 1lb chicken: $5.50
• 1lb bananas: 0.68 
• Toilet paper: $3.38

You’ll find all major national supermarkets like Walmart, Whole Foods, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi. Plus, more local supermarket chains like Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Lowe’s and Publix. Dining out offers a wide range of options, from affordable eateries to high-end restaurants.

• Lunch in Raleigh can range from $12 – $20
• Fast food is on average $11+
• Mid-range dinner for two will cost around $80+
• Beers in Raleigh average $6-$8 / Wine $12+ / Cocktails $12 – $16
• Espresso-style coffees in Raleigh can range $4-$6

Personally, I have noticed a huge increase in these costs over the past year. We eat out frequently, as it’s part of our job to keep Raleigh residents in the know about our city and how they can better connect to it. Make sure you follow us as we share our discoveries (including affordable places to eat!)

Rent

The cost of rent has increased in recent years due to supply and demand. Prices obviously vary depending upon location of the property, age of the property, square footage of the apartment, amenities on offer, etc.

• 1 bed apartment in city center: $1,468
• Cheap 1 bed apartment: $1,216
• 3 bed apartments in city center: $2,614
• Cheap 3 bed apartment: $2,029

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Healthcare

Healthcare in Raleigh is 3% higher than the national average. That’s a huge variable pot of stew that only Einstein can figure out, but here are some average costs for a little insight.

• Doctors visit: $128
• Dentist: $110. We have annual membership plans for around $250 – $300 per person, covering two cleans a year, X-rays, and discounts on other services
• Vet: $55 – $70

Childcare

A common cause for concern in many states and countries is the cost of childcare, or daycare. I know from personal experience that childcare is very expensive in Australia, and from what I hear from my friends in Wake County, it’s a similar budget drain here.

Expect to pay around $1,500 a month in childcare costs. Keep in mind that waiting lists can also be long, so plan ahead. Of course, there are many variables depending upon age and number of kids, so do your own research.

Summer camps can also drain the wallet. You can be looking at from $100 – $1,000 a week for day camps in Raleigh City and non-profit camps are on the lower end from $100 – $300 per week. Our girls attended indoor rock-climbing camps at Triangle Rock Climbing – we loved it for its affordability and ability to get in at late notice. For most other summer camps, you’ll need to plan further in advance than you would booking a Disney World trip.  

Other

• Gym membership: $40 per month
• Cinema ticket $14
• Haircut: $30+
• Cold medicine (per week) $8.17

Remember, the above prices are averages and depend upon factors such as the quality of the brand, the store you buy them from, international events, etc. And depending upon one’s disposable income and salary level, what one person deems affordable may be expensive to another!

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