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Raleigh, NC, United States
Capital City

Follows United States Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,970
Retiree Score
77.0
Safety Index
72.8
Healthcare
62 facilities

The tax burden is heavy, but the healthcare and tech industries are booming in this fast-growing city of 467,665 residents. Raleigh is part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, home to major companies and over 2.37 million people. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city government and school system sprawling across the region. Summers are hot and humid, and tornadoes occasionally strike, but Raleigh offers a solid mix of arts, culture, and professional sports. This dynamic, diverse city is best suited for career-focused transplants seeking a lower cost of living and mild winters compared to the Northeast.

Can I afford Raleigh, NC?

$

Raleigh, NC

You could save

30/mo

Savings Rate1%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,850
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,120

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
1/100
Retiree Score
(i)
77/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets United States Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
73
Safety
62
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $5
Rice (1kg) *$5
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$20
Meal (Mid-range) $106
Cappuccino $6
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $196
Mobile Plan (mo) $66
Gym (mo) *$40
Cinema Ticket $15

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $1,480
1BR Outside (mo) *$1,084
3BR Center (mo) $2,720
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,782

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Raleigh, North Hills
Best For
tech professionals, families

Expat Life Notes

A top tech and research hub in the US, Raleigh offers an exceptional quality of life and a welcoming community.

Pros

  • ✓ Thriving tech job market
  • ✓ High safety
  • ✓ Abundant green space

Cons

  • ✗ Rapidly rising housing costs
  • ✗ Car-dependency
  • ✗ Hot/humid summers

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1070 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Apr, May, Oct

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Raleigh, NC

Click any question to expand the answer.

Raleigh, NC has a population of approximately 467,665 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $4,625 per month in Raleigh, NC, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1850/month.

The nearest airport to Raleigh, NC is RDU, approximately 4km away.

Raleigh, NC is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 72.8. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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