Raleigh, North Carolina
In Raleigh, North Carolina, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.73 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.28 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,487.16, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.19% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Raleigh's cost-of-living index of 100 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.73
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$1,487.16
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.19%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$13.26
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.82 | $2.10 | $2.69 | $4.06 | $2.28 | +25.3% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.64 | $3.93 | $3.97 | $4.13 | $4.17 | +14.6% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.87 | $4.75 | $4.99 | $5.24 | $5.40 | +39.5% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.18 | $2.91 | $3.17 | $3.33 | $3.43 | +57.3% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.73 | $3.99 | $4.07 | $4.11 | $4.07 | +9.1% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.24 | $4.70 | $4.89 | $5.14 | $5.35 | +26.2% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.30 | $6.80 | $7.28 | $7.50 | $7.88 | +25.1% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.97 | $6.63 | $6.83 | $6.96 | $7.10 | +18.9% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.54 | $1.84 | $1.91 | $1.97 | $2.01 | +30.5% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.07 | $4.73 | $4.97 | $5.17 | $5.33 | +31.0% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.59 | $10.41 | $11.24 | $11.92 | $12.40 | +44.4% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.76 | $4.48 | $4.93 | $5.28 | $5.55 | +47.6% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.92 | $4.07 | $4.15 | $4.19 | $4.32 | +10.2% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.63 | $4.91 | $5.00 | $5.10 | $5.25 | +13.4% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.29 | $2.56 | $2.66 | $2.74 | $2.82 | +23.1% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.85 | $2.08 | $2.22 | $2.31 | $2.40 | +29.7% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.61 | $7.01 | $7.57 | $7.79 | $7.95 | +41.7% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.20 | $4.54 | $4.72 | $5.01 | $5.16 | +22.9% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.80 | $5.52 | $5.91 | $6.08 | $6.26 | +30.4% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.32 | $7.66 | $8.27 | $8.68 | $9.12 | +44.3% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$13.26
Casual Dining
$25.00
Monthly Spend
$386.44
+5.47% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $8.22
$13.26
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $9.28
$14.32
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $9.95
$14.85
+49.2%Starbucks
2022: $4.42
$6.14
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Raleigh?
Average 1BR: $1,377/mo · 2BR: $1,759.83/mo
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