The numbers behind living in Raleigh 📈

The cost of living in Raleigh

Take in skyline views from the Boylan Bridge. | Photo by RALtoday

With Raleigh constantly growing and undertaking multiple high-profile developments this year, we figured it was time to talk about the cost of planting some roots in the City of Oaks.

The median household income in Wake County is $83,567, according to the US Census Bureau. State-wise, NC is No. 38 in the country for median income at ~$56,642 per household.

A chart of the cost of living in Raleigh — *Bestplaces.net cost of living charts are based on a US average of 100.*

The overall cost of living in Raleigh is higher than the national average, and higher than the rest of the state.

In the City of Oaks, the cost of healthcare is lower compared to other parts of the state + the US. And the cost of groceries, housing, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses in the city have higher average costs than other cities in NC and the country overall.

Breaking down the numbers

Hypothetically speaking, if you live in a household that brings in $50,000 annually — according to experts — you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your monthly gross income on rent and utilities. Don’t worry, we did the math for you — your max monthly budget for rent + utilities would be $1,250. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Raleigh is $1,631 — leaving you over budget.

According to a recent study by Attom Data Solutions, it’s actually more affordable to rent in Wake County than to buy.

Take a look at the chart below to see how Raleigh’s cost of living compares to that of Durham.

A chart comparing the cost of living in Raleigh + Durham. — Raleigh has more affordable healthcare than Durham.

Interested in seeing Raleigh’s cost of living compared to cities in other states? We played around on NerdWallet’s cost of living calculator, where you can put in any city along with your current pre-tax household income to find out what other cities you could actually afford to live in.

For fun — we took a look at the cost of living in Raleigh compared to Manhattan, NY. Here’s what we found:

The cost of living is 168% higher in Manhattan.
To maintain our standard of living, we would need to bring in $134,053 to our Raleigh household.
The median cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $5,102, which is $3,774 more than Raleigh.

Raleigh also has entities such as Affordable Rental Housing properties + other government-funded programs to help develop more affordable units.

There are also a number of local development firms working on apartments seemingly all the time — from Kane Realty Corporation’s North Hills Innovation District to the affordable housing development from DHIC at The Village at Washington Terrace.

A poll with three questions: What would you tell someone who is considering moving here about the cost of living? A. Prepare yourself for sticker shock - it’s expensive. B. Prices are reasonable - not exorbitant, not cheap. C. This is a really affordable city to live

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

Greek Night at Taverna Agora | Fri., Oct. 7 | 8-11 p.m. | 326 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | Price of purchase | Experience the sounds, food, and culture of the Greek Isles.
Hi-Wire Tap Takeover | Fri., Oct. 7 | 7-11 p.m. | The Raleigh Times Bar, 14 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | Free | There will be 10 Hi-Wire brews on tap (plus a surprise sour beer), live music from The Jacob Harshman Project + local vendors to shop from.

Saturday

Judah & the Lion | Sat., Oct. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Ritz | 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh | $37.50 | Listen to this alternative band on the Happy Again Tour.
Open Art Studio | Sat., Oct. 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Iris Coffee Lab, 725 Tucker St., Raleigh | Free | Listen to music + view unreleased pieces by local artists — all artwork will be for sale.
Oktoberfest | Sat., Oct. 8 | 12-4 p.m. | Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Rd., Raleigh | Free | Enjoy German-inspired foods, fall brews, live music, and shopping.
North Carolina FC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC | Sat., Oct. 8 | 7 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Dr., Cary | $15.00 - $50.00 | Cheer on North Carolina during their final home game of the season.*
Pet Health & Wellness Expo | Sat., Oct. 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Crabtree in Promotional Court (Panera entrance), 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Learn the best ways to care for your canine companion at this pawsome event presented by Crabtree and Dirty Dogs Spa.*

Sunday

Meet JP Jermaine Powell | Sun., Oct. 9 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The NCMA | Free | Meet one of the NCMA’s current artist in residence + the inspiration behind his work.

Plan Ahead

Dracula and The Masque of the Red Death | Oct. 13- Oct. 30 | Times vary | Fletcher Opera Theater, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $25+ | Dracula and The Red Death return to the stage for Halloween, with music composed by J. Mark Scearce.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Celebrate World Smile Day with a smile you’re proud of

You’ll receive regular virtual Smile Check-ins™ to touch base on your progress. | Photo by Smile Direct Club

Everyone should love their smile. Enter: SmileDirectClub, the easiest way to straighten your teeth in just 4-6 months — for 60% less than Invisalign or braces. 👀

Here’s how it works:

Scan your smile with either an at-home kit or an in-person visit
Receive a customized treatment plan from a state-licensed doctor
Start your journey with custom aligners (22-hour-wear or Nighttime Aligners™, depending on your needs)

Best of all, your results are guaranteed for life. 🦷 *

PUT A STRAIGHTER SMILE ON YOUR FACE

Weather

82º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain ☀️

Open

Fresh out of the oven. Tiff’s Treats is now open in the Village District. The cookie spot will host its Grand Opening on Sat., Nov. 5 + the first 100 customers in line at or before 8:45 a.m. will receive a $50 gift card. That’s a lot of cookie money. 🍪

Community

The Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to proclaim the week of Veterans Day (Mon., Nov. 7-Sun., Nov. 13) as a time to salute service men + women. During the Operation Greenlight campaign, shine a green light from your home or business to show your support.

Network

The Raleigh Chamber is hosting a free networking event on Mon., Oct. 10. Meet new connections at Business After Hours and enjoy food, drinks + range time at Triangle Shooting Academy. 🤝

Active

ICYMI — Commute Smart Raleigh is sponsoring Walktober all month by hosting events to promote health, exercise + pedestrian safety. The next event is a Southeast History Stroll with the focus of African American heritage on Sat., Oct. 15 at 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Kids

Charge up your kiddos with hands-on activities at the Wake County Energy Expo at Marbles Kids Museum on Sun., Oct. 19. During the event, check out electric cars, learn about public transportation resources, and participate in demonstrations like circuit building. 🔋

Cause

Don’t miss Gabi’s Ghostly Gala benefiting Gabi’s Grounds — a company focused on employing more people with special abilities — on Fri., Oct. 14. The spooktacular fundraising event will feature dancing, music, food, drinks, and a silent auction. Purchase tickets ($30+).

Try This

Cheeni is hosting a Diwali Celebration on Sun., Oct. 23 to pay homage to India’s largest festival. The party will feature henna, DJ Ansh, and a feast of food. Purchase tickets ($80).
Baby goat yoga is returning to Crank Arm Brewery on Sun., Nov. 13. Spots filled up fast last time, so don’t wait to sign up ($28.50). Your ticket includes an after yoga beer. 🐐

Travel

Conde Nast recently listed Alexandria, VA as one of the top small cities in the US. We couldn’t agree more, and think that this historic town is the perfect place for a last-minute fall getaway. Be sure to stroll around Old Town, visit Gadsby’s Tavern, and stay in this luxuriously restored loft.*

Drink

Getting groceries delivered is great, but getting your favorite beer, wine, and liquor delivered is even better. With Drizly, you can order your go-to libations as well as mixers, party supplies, and snacks + they’ll be delivered to your door in under 60 minutes. Order now. 🥂*

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This is going to be legendary 🏏

Legends of the Lawn in Raleigh, NC

A man holding a croquet mallet wearing Minnie Mouse ears.

Who’s up for a game of croquet (in Minnie Mouse ears)? | Photo provided by Legends of the Lawn

Put on your best costume, grab some friends, and head to Dix Park on Sun., Oct. 16 for Legends of the Lawn. At this new charitable event, duos and individuals will compete in bocce ball, cornhole, croquet, Kan Jam, and Kubb — all while dressed in themed costumes (dancing is also encouraged).

Pairs will earn points for their assigned team and the winning team will be allotted the largest share of the donation pool to donate to their chosen Raleigh-based nonprofit organization; Arts Access (Team Orange), A Place at the Table (Team Blue), Healing Transitions (Team Yellow), and TheGifted Arts (Team Pink).

Space is limited — sign up to compete ($20+), volunteer, or spectate.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Cat.

Editor’s pick: Happy Friday, friends. Did you know that I graduated from a public tribal university? I studied at UNC Pembroke and had the privilege of learning about the Lumbee Tribe during my four years. I’m excited to celebrate the legacy + culture of Indigenous communities living in NC at the Dix Park Inter-Tribal Pow Wow tomorrow, Oct. 8.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? These are the best oysters to eat in Raleigh, according to four local chefs.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

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