Raleigh, NC Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Raleigh, NC metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Raleigh
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Raleigh, NC metropolitan area run 2.0% below the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 98.0 on a base of 100). That puts Raleigh close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every North Carolina household — see the North Carolina state report.
Other North Carolina metros
- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC RPP 96.0 C+
- Asheville, NC RPP 95.0 C+
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC?
The Raleigh, NC metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 98.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 2.0% below the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Raleigh an affordable place to live?
Raleigh, NC has an InflationRank score of 77/100 (grade C+), reflecting cost of living near the U.S. national average. The metro RPP of 98.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Raleigh compare to other cities for cost of living?
Raleigh, NC has a cost-of-living index of 98.0 (U.S.=100), 2.0% below the national average. Similar-cost metros include Eugene-Springfield, OR (RPP 98.0), Madison, WI (RPP 98.0).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →