Is Raleigh, NC Affordable in 2026?

Yes, Raleigh is affordable.

On a $70K salary, you'll have $1,543 left after rent and essentials. Raleigh offers good value for money.

Avg 1BR Rent

$1,450

Min Comfortable Salary

$50k

State Tax

3.99%

Median Income

$78,500

Affordability Rating

Tight

AffordableTightExpensive

Raleigh affordability on $70K (30% rule)

How Much Salary Do You Need in Raleigh?

Salary	Max Rent (30%)	After Expenses	Verdict
$50k	$1,250	$830	⚠️ Tight
$60k	$1,500	$1,216	✅ Comfortable
$70k	$1,750	$1,543	✅ Comfortable
$80k	$2,000	$1,846	✅ Comfortable
$90k	$2,250	$2,149	✅ Comfortable
$100k	$2,500	$2,452	✅ Comfortable

What It's Really Like to Live in Raleigh

Raleigh is the thinking person's Southern city. It's quieter than Charlotte but punches above its weight with world-class research institutions and a farm-to-table food scene.

Raleigh remains one of the best values in the Southeast. Rent is notably lower than Charlotte or Austin, and the Research Triangle job market keeps salaries competitive.

Where to Live

Downtown Raleigh has revitalized with new restaurants and breweries, while Cary offers some of the best schools in the state with a suburban feel.

Getting Around

No rail system yet, but Raleigh's relatively compact size means most commutes stay under 25 minutes by car.

Research Triangle tech hubTop-ranked universitiesLower cost than peer citiesMild four-season climate