North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Raleigh
The average cost of living in Raleigh, United States is $1,912 per month for a single person, and $4,425 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,698 per month. The local average net salary is $4,363 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 43.5 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,912 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,425 / mo
- Student
- $1,105 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Raleigh
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,362.51 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Raleigh | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Raleigh | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Raleigh | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Raleigh | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Raleigh | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Raleigh | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Raleigh | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Raleigh | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Raleigh | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Raleigh | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Raleigh FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Raleigh. |
Rent & Property Prices in Raleigh
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,698 | $1,300 – $2,000 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,293 | $1,092 – $1,600 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,129 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,155 | $1,700 – $2,600 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,882 | $2,617 – $4,690 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,196 | $2,100 – $2,700 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,698$1,300 – $2,000
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,293$1,092 – $1,600
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,129$2,500 – $4,000
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,155$1,700 – $2,600
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,882$2,617 – $4,690
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,196$2,100 – $2,700
Grocery Prices in Raleigh
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.89 | $0.54 – $1.45 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.79 | $2.19 – $4.99 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.81 | $2.20 – $4.78 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.58 | $1.99 – $6.50 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $15 | $11 – $18 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $9.63 | $4.39 – $13 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $17 | $13 – $20 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $6.13 | $2.20 – $11 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.28 | $1.08 – $1.87 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.66 | $2.20 – $8.82 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $6.05 | $2.43 – $8.82 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $3.31 | $1.27 – $6.61 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $3.53 | $2.20 – $6.61 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.24 | $1.39 – $2.49 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.28 | $1.00 – $3.25 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15 | $12 – $25 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.24 | $1.90 – $2.86 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.94 | $1.75 – $3.76 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $9.68 | $7.95 – $10 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.89$0.54 – $1.45
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.79$2.19 – $4.99
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.81$2.20 – $4.78
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.58$1.99 – $6.50
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $15$11 – $18
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $9.63$4.39 – $13
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $17$13 – $20
- Apples (1 kg) $6.13$2.20 – $11
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.28$1.08 – $1.87
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.66$2.20 – $8.82
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $6.05$2.43 – $8.82
- Potatoes (1 kg) $3.31$1.27 – $6.61
- Onions (1 kg) $3.53$2.20 – $6.61
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.24$1.39 – $2.49
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.28$1.00 – $3.25
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $15$12 – $25
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.24$1.90 – $2.86
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.94$1.75 – $3.76
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $9.68$7.95 – $10
Public Transport & Car Costs in Raleigh
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.38 | $1.25 – $2.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $40 | $40 – $40 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.00 | $3.00 – $3.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $1.88 | $1.86 – $1.88 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $18 | $18 – $30 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.78 | $0.74 – $1.07 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $35,749 | $35,535 – $35,749 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,490 | $25,454 – $27,000 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.38$1.25 – $2.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $40$40 – $40
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.00$3.00 – $3.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $1.88$1.86 – $1.88
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $18$18 – $30
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.78$0.74 – $1.07
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $35,749$35,535 – $35,749
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,490$25,454 – $27,000
Utility & Internet Costs in Raleigh
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $195 | $125 – $300 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $61 | $28 – $100 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $66 | $50 – $80 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $195$125 – $300
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $61$28 – $100
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $66$50 – $80
Childcare & Preschool in Raleigh
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,486 | $940 – $2,000 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $24,443 | $16,997 – $30,000 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,486$940 – $2,000
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $24,443$16,997 – $30,000
Clothing Prices in Raleigh
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $61 | $35 – $100 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $61 | $30 – $80 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $102 | $65 – $175 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $156 | $95 – $245 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $61$35 – $100
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $61$30 – $80
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $102$65 – $175
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $156$95 – $245
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Raleigh
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $36 | $11 – $60 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $5.00 | $5.00 – $5.00 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $15 | $13 – $17 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $36$11 – $60
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $5.00$5.00 – $5.00
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $15$13 – $17
Restaurant Prices in Raleigh
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $20 | $12 – $29 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $79 | $60 – $180 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $10 | $10 – $12 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $7.00 | $6.00 – $9.25 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.59 | $4.00 – $7.50 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.64 | $1.50 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.10 | $1.50 – $3.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $20$12 – $29
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $79$60 – $180
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $10$10 – $12
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.00$4.00 – $8.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $7.00$6.00 – $9.25
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.59$4.00 – $7.50
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.64$1.50 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.10$1.50 – $3.00
Salaries & Mortgages in Raleigh
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,363 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.24% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,363
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.24%
Compare Raleigh with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Eugene
Monthly / 1 person
$1,918
vs NYC
43.6/100
United States
Birmingham-AL
Monthly / 1 person
$1,921
vs NYC
43.7/100
United States
Boise
Monthly / 1 person
$1,897
vs NYC
43.1/100
United States
Buffalo
Monthly / 1 person
$1,896
vs NYC
43.1/100
United States
Knoxville
Monthly / 1 person
$1,895
vs NYC
43.1/100
United States
New-Orleans
Monthly / 1 person
$1,932
vs NYC
43.9/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Raleigh?
- An estimated $1,912 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Raleigh. A family of four needs around $4,425 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,105.
- How much money do I need to live in Raleigh?
- Plan for at least $1,912 per month as a single person, $4,425 per month for a family of four, or $1,105 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Raleigh.
- What is the average rent in Raleigh?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh rents for around $1,698 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $3,129 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Raleigh?
- The average monthly net salary in Raleigh is around $4,363. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 39% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Raleigh?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Raleigh costs around $20. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $92 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.89/L) and bread ($3.79/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Raleigh?
- A monthly public transport pass in Raleigh costs around $40. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Raleigh?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Raleigh costs around $66 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.