North Carolina · Population 470,763 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Raleigh
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Raleigh is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 110 (where 100 equals the national median), Raleigh residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,468/month while earning a median household income of $82,424/year.
The median home value in Raleigh, NC is $377,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,487 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Raleigh.
Common questions about living costs in Raleigh