Raleigh, North Carolina has an overall cost of living index of 98.3, which is 1.7 points below the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,468 per month, while the typical home is valued around $377,800. Households earn a median of $82,424 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 54. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$82,424
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,468
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$377,800
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
98.3
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,524
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,596
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,750
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,196
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
98.3
Goods
95.6
Rents / Housing
104.4
Services
83.0
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.50%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.75%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $132,300 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $86,110 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $57,080 |
| ⚡Electrician | $54,360 |
| 📊Accountant | $90,110 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
470,763
Latest estimate
Median Age
34.7 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
54.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Raleigh?
Raleigh has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 98.3. The US national average is 100, so Raleigh is 1.7 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Raleigh?
The median gross rent in Raleigh is $1,468 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Raleigh?
The median household income in Raleigh is $82,424 per year.
What is the median home value in Raleigh?
The median home value in Raleigh is $377,800 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Raleigh?
Raleigh has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 54.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Raleigh?
North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a statewide sales tax of 4.75% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology