What It's Like to Live and Work in Raleigh

Research Triangle's anchor with growing tech presence

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Raleigh anchors the Research Triangle with Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State University driving research and technology employment. Housing costs are rising but remain notably below coastal peers.

1BR Rent (HUD FY2026)
$1,596/mo
2BR Rent (HUD FY2026)
$1,750/mo
Median Wage (BLS)
$51,990
State Tax
NC tax

Your breathing room in Raleigh

Pick an income band to see how the picture shifts.

TightGetting ByComfortableSpacious

At $60-80k (renting alone) in Raleigh, your breathing room reads as comfortable.

~$4,555/mo take-home
Comfortable
$60-80k · Raleigh
Income Reality Check

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The Bottom Line for 60-80k in Raleigh

MAYBEThe median 1BR apartment is affordable but tight — roughly 30-40% of take-home.
MAYBESome savings are possible with discipline — but not easily.
NOYour income is below the local median household income of $73,958.
You have real flexibility and savings potential.

Your Income Reality Score

Financial Flexibility
High
Savings Potential
Building
Est. Monthly After Housing
approx $2,959/mo

Purchasing Power Reality

What your salary feels like in other cities

Your 60-80k in Raleigh feels like approximately $67,456 in Charlotte — your purchasing power decreases by 4%
Your 60-80k in Raleigh feels like approximately $73,751 in Atlanta — your purchasing power increases by 5%
Your 60-80k in Raleigh feels like approximately $65,013 in Austin — your purchasing power decreases by 7%

Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,555/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Raleigh, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

Lifestyle Signals — $60-80K in Raleigh

Commute Burden
High
Social Access
Moderate
Wellness Margin
High
Flex Signal
Moderate

Lifestyle signals are qualitative — not a personal lifestyle assessment. Source: BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey.

Housing

Neighborhood variety: HUD FY2026 FMRs for the Raleigh-Cary MSA: 1BR $1,596 / 2BR $1,750. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR Schedule.

Rent trend: Raleigh has experienced significant rent growth driven by tech-sector migration. Source: HUD.

Ownership access: First-time buyer access in Raleigh metro remains more feasible than coastal alternatives, though rising prices have narrowed this window. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024.

Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents

Career context

Raleigh's Research Triangle economy includes biotechnology, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and software sectors. BLS 2025 data shows all-occupation median wages of $51,990 and computer/math at $107,760. Source: BLS OES 2025.

Raleigh is a car-dependent metro (Walk Score 31). Budget for car ownership — AAA estimates the average new car costs $11,577/year to own and operate.

Often compared with

Raleigh vs CharlotteRaleigh vs AtlantaRaleigh vs Austin
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FAQ

FAQ — Living in Raleigh

Is Raleigh a good city for tech workers?

Raleigh's Research Triangle concentration in biotech, pharma, and software — with BLS 2025 computer/math median wages of $107,760 — makes it a well-established tech employment market. Source: BLS OES 2025.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.