Raleigh, NC, US
Research Triangle hub with tech jobs, oak trees, and a balanced cost of living.
Overview
Raleigh is a city in NC with a population of 476,587. Research Triangle hub with tech jobs, oak trees, and a balanced cost of living. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.7.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Raleigh vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.8%
- Sales Tax: 7.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $72,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 476,587
Climate
- Sunny Days: 220/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 30°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $395,000
- 1BR Rent: $1450/mo
Cost of Living
Raleigh's cost of living index is 102.4 (US average = 100).
| Category | Raleigh | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 102.4 | 100 | +2.4% |
| Housing | 108.5 | 100 | +8.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $395,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1450/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,813/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $263 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Raleigh:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $69 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $7 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $321 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Raleigh scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Raleigh has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F | 30°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 45°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 48°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Raleigh faces the following natural hazards:
Flash floods.
Summer heat waves.
Appalachian region with landslides.
Tornado risk.
Inland effects from hurricanes.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Winter storms.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.75%
- Sales Tax: 7.25%
- Property Tax: ~0.95% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Raleigh per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Raleigh is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC, US?
The cost of living index in Raleigh is 102.4, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Raleigh?
The median home price in Raleigh is $395,000. The housing index is 108.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Raleigh is approximately $1450/mo.
Does Raleigh, NC have income tax?
Raleigh is in NC, which has an income tax rate of 4.75%.
What is the climate like in Raleigh?
Raleigh enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 89°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.