Is Raleigh expensive to live in?
Median income: $72,571. Median rent: $1,450. Median home price: $400,000.
Relocation guide · North Carolina
Moving to Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC city guide. Population is 467,665. Median household income is $72,571. Median rent is $1,450.
Median Rent
$1,450/mo
Median Income
$72,571
State Tax
4.75%
Population
467,665
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Raleigh
Median income: $72,571. Median rent: $1,450. Median home price: $400,000.
Median Rent/mo
$1,450
Median Home Price
$400,000
Median Income
$72,571
Rent-to-Income
24%
Taxes
Your tax situation in North Carolina
State tax rate: 4.75%. Local tax rate: 7.25%.
State Income Tax
4.75%
Local Tax Rate
7.25%
Climate
Weather in Raleigh
Average high: 71°F. Average low: 50°F. Annual rainfall: 46 inches. Sunny days: 213.
Avg High Temp
71°F
Avg Low Temp
50°F
Sunny Days/yr
213
Annual Rainfall
46"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Raleigh
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Raleigh with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Raleigh
What is the average rent in Raleigh?
The median rent in Raleigh is $1,450/month. Median home price is $400,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does North Carolina have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 4.75%. Local tax rate: 7.25%.
What is Raleigh known for?
Raleigh, NC city guide. Population is 467,665. Median household income is $72,571. Median rent is $1,450.
What should I know before moving to Raleigh?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Raleigh has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.