What is the cost of living in Raleigh?

The cost of living in Raleigh is 45.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 55.0). Groceries are 23.5% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 13.4% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,728 per month. Local purchasing power index is 154.4 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 NC, United States · #88 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Raleigh?

Q: Should I move to Raleigh?

Raleigh, NC, United States has a cost of living 45.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 55.0). It is ranked #88 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 154.4 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

45.0% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-45.0%

vs NYC

USD 1,728

1-BR, city centre

154.4

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Raleigh?

Cost breakdown: Raleigh

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

55.0 Expensive

Rent

37.2 Affordable

Groceries

76.5 Above average

Restaurants

86.6 Above average

Purchasing Power

154.4 Very strong

Rent in Raleigh

1-BR, city centre USD 1,728/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,281/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 3,083/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,012/mo

Save by going outside centre 26% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Winston-Salem

NC, United States

CoL index 57.3

Compare Winston-Salem vs Raleigh →

🇺🇸 Charlotte

NC, United States

CoL index 57.7

Compare Charlotte vs Raleigh →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Raleigh after tax, in seconds.

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