Cost of Living in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Is it worth moving here?
How far does a $70,000 salary go in Raleigh-Cary? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $9,817 per year — combining federal taxes with North Carolina's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,750/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Raleigh-Cary metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $39,183, or roughly $3,265 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.
The Raleigh-Cary metro has a cost of living index of 104.0 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). This puts Raleigh-Cary modestly above the national average on everyday expenses beyond rent.
At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Raleigh-Cary represents approximately 30% of gross income. That exceeds the conventional 30% guideline, meaning housing takes a significant share of the budget at this income level.
Annual Breakdown
Cost of Living Index
Living in Raleigh-Cary, NC is roughly 4% more expensive than the national average.
Monthly Take-Home
... / mo
Affordability Score
K-12 Schools
See Details →Colleges & Universities
See Details →| Institution | Enrollment | In-State Tuition | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchells Academy | 33 | $0 | 87.0% |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | 37,323 | $6,535 | 85.0% |
| MyComputerCareer at Raleigh | 1,617 | $0 | 70.0% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Raleigh | 133 | $0 | 70.0% |
| Meredith College | 1,576 | $43,816 | 65.0% |
| Gwinnett College | 117 | $0 | 63.0% |
| Miller-Motte College-Raleigh | 214 | $0 | 59.0% |
| Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College | 74 | $10,350 | 55.0% |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary | 2,926 | $9,816 | 46.0% |
| William Peace University | 730 | $32,550 | 44.0% |
| Louisburg College | 413 | $19,928 | 39.0% |
| Saint Augustine's University | 943 | $10,968 | 33.0% |
| Wake Technical Community College | 22,763 | $2,076 | 31.0% |
| Johnston Community College | 4,680 | $2,432 | 29.0% |
| Shaw University | 962 | $12,408 | 20.0% |
| Shepherds Theological Seminary | 192 | $0 | — |