Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Raleigh, North Carolina

In Raleigh, North Carolina, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.90 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.16 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,651, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% 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 102 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.90

National: $4.06

210.3%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,651

National: $1,900

24.7%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$13.00

Combo meal

5.5%YoY

Electricity

13.68¢

per kWh · ~$123/mo

21.3%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$140/mo

$1,680/yr

21.9%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$101,763

25.7% goes to essentials

25.7%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

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Avg rent $1,651/mo in Raleigh. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$5.35 BLS avg

+26.2%

Bacon (lb)

$7.88 BLS avg

+25.1%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$7.10 BLS avg

+18.9%

Pasta (lb)

$2.01 BLS avg

+30.5%

Rice (5 lb)

$5.33 BLS avg

+31.0%

Coffee (12 oz)

$12.40 BLS avg

+44.4%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.55 BLS avg

+47.6%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.32 BLS avg

+10.2%

Apples (3 lb)

$5.25 BLS avg

+13.4%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.82 BLS avg

+23.1%

Lettuce (head)

$2.40 BLS avg

+29.7%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.95 BLS avg

+41.7%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$5.16 BLS avg

+22.9%

Cereal (family size)

$6.26 BLS avg

+30.4%

Frozen Pizza

$9.12 BLS avg

+44.3%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$13.00

Casual Dining

$25.00

Monthly Spend

$386.44

+5.47% YoY

Chain 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%

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Looking for an Apartment in Raleigh?

Average 1BR: $1,354/mo · 2BR: $1,948/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

653k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,477

$77k/yr

Top Sector

Professional & Business Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$102k

household median

Employment by Sector — Raleigh

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Professional & Business Services
+15.2% 5yr$1,910/wk
21.0%

~$99k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
+12.6% 5yr$1,180/wk
17.2%

~$61k/yr

Education & Health Services
+22.0% 5yr$1,301/wk
13.8%

~$68k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
+8.1% 5yr$534/wk
11.0%

~$28k/yr

Manufacturing
+28.9% 5yr$1,637/wk
7.0%

~$85k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 37183

Highest Paying Sector

Information

$2,871/wk · $149k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$534/wk · $28k/yr

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