Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,158 (excluding rent), and $2,891 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,781 (excluding rent), and $5,409 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.81 $19.81

$12.19 $12.19

$25.39 $25.39

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$75.1 $75.1

$60.1 $60.1

$100 $100

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.99 $9.99

$8.49 $8.49

$10.94 $10.94

Cappuccino

$5.46 $5.46

$4.10 $4.10

$6.15 $6.15

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.37 $2.37

$2.04 $2.04

$3.06 $3.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.48 $1.48

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.51 $5.51

$3.92 $3.92

$7.84 $7.84

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.18 $6.18

$5.15 $5.15

$9.26 $9.26

Milk (1 liter)

$0.86 $0.86

$0.47 $0.47

$1.41 $1.41

White Bread (500g)

$4.05 $4.05

$2.15 $2.15

$5.42 $5.42

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.25 $3.25

$2.23 $2.23

$6.69 $6.69

Eggs

$4.82 $4.82

$2.35 $2.35

$6.68 $6.68

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.89 $13.89

$7.85 $7.85

$17.83 $17.83

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.46 $11.46

$4.42 $4.42

$15.46 $15.46

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.54 $16.54

$11.01 $11.01

$19.86 $19.86

Apples (1kg)

$6.75 $6.75

$2.17 $2.17

$10.86 $10.86

Banana (1kg)

$1.39 $1.39

$1.05 $1.05

$2.14 $2.14

Oranges (1kg)

$5.59 $5.59

$2.17 $2.17

$8.72 $8.72

Tomato (1kg)

$6.33 $6.33

$2.24 $2.24

$9.00 $9.00

Potato (1kg)

$3.67 $3.67

$1.57 $1.57

$6.74 $6.74

Onion (1kg)

$4.15 $4.15

$2.21 $2.21

$6.65 $6.65

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.26 $2.26

$2.04 $2.04

$3.06 $3.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.26 $2.26

$2.04 $2.04

$2.55 $2.55

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.45 $7.45

$6.81 $6.81

$8.89 $8.89

Wine (Bottle)

$15.02 $15.02

$12.02 $12.02

$25.03 $25.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.10 $2.10

$1.75 $1.75

$2.89 $2.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.02 $3.02

$1.97 $1.97

$4.94 $4.94

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.54 $1.54

$2.57 $2.57

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$44.62 $44.62

$29.75 $29.75

$59.5 $59.5

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.56 $2.56

$2.00 $2.00

$4.10 $4.10

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.68 $1.68

$1.53 $1.53

$2.45 $2.45

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$15.21 $15.21

$30.43 $30.43

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.85 $0.85

$0.76 $0.76

$1.03 $1.03

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.9K $29.9K

$22.5K $22.5K

$34.6K $34.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.2K $26.2K

$25.1K $25.1K

$28.5K $28.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$187 $187

$136 $136

$269 $269

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$63.5 $63.5

$39.42 $39.42

$97.6 $97.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$69.6 $69.6

$59.1 $59.1

$83.7 $83.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$39.59 $39.59

$19.71 $19.71

$59.1 $59.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$33.82 $33.82

Cinema Ticket

$15.11 $15.11

$12.09 $12.09

$15.11 $15.11

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,485 $1,485

$996 $996

$1,892 $1,892

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.2K $24.2K

$16.1K $16.1K

$33.5K $33.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.4 $52.4

$35.39 $35.39

$100 $100

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.91 $48.91

$20.19 $20.19

$80.8 $80.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$65.6 $65.6

$151 $151

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$142 $142

$90.0 $90.0

$248 $248

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,814 $1,814

$1,395 $1,395

$2,391 $2,391

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,575 $1,575

$1,209 $1,209

$2,016 $2,016

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,993 $2,993

$2,195 $2,195

$3,991 $3,991

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,383 $2,383

$1,974 $1,974

$2,960 $2,960

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,810 $3,810

$2,569 $2,569

$4,604 $4,604

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,202 $2,202

$2,106 $2,106

$2,708 $2,708

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,541 $4,541

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.53

6.15

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: February 28, 2026

Raleigh, NC Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC - Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh offers a friendly balance of affordable housing, solid amenities, and a growing job scene. The Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC, United States is generally lower than in many coastal metros, with a range of mid-range rents and everyday costs that suit longer stays. You’ll find efficient public services, decent grocery options, and a variety of neighborhoods from compact historic cores to quiet suburban pockets. Seasonal weather supports outdoor life without extreme price swings in most categories. Housing search can pay off by prioritizing proximity to transit and amenities you actually use. Tip: Start with short-term stays near transit to test neighborhoods and tailor your budget.

Daily life in Raleigh blends practical choices with a lively scene. Housing options span downtown apartments to leafy suburbs, and you can often negotiate longer leases to keep costs predictable. For transport, a car helps in many areas, but the newer bus routes and the potential for bike-friendly corridors mean you can save by relying on transit or bike-sharing. Food choices range from farmers markets to affordable dining and international groceries. Co-working and cafe culture support remote work, with several spaces offering day passes. Raleigh, NC, United States living cost is manageable when you blend affordability with quality. Tip: Map two or three neighborhoods that fit your work style before committing to a long-term rental.

Quality of life in Raleigh comes from a simple budgeting framework that sticks to essentials while leaving room for discovery. Try a straightforward approach like 50/30/20 or a flexible version that emphasizes housing, utilities, groceries, and locals' perks. Seasonality matters: summers can push cooling costs, while mild winters invite more outdoor activities and fewer heated expenses. Neighborhood fit matters: walkable downtowns offer easy errands; suburbs tend to give more space and parking. Use a shortlist of two or three areas with easy transit access to stay efficient. Tip: set a baseline weekly meal plan and a backup transit plan to stay flexible.