Salary & Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC: $72,000 median salary, cost of living index 102, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$72,000
$35/hr
Cost of Living
102
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.8%
rate
Raleigh, NC Overview
Population
467,665
Median Salary
$72,000
Average Salary
$80,000
Avg Commute
24 min
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Rent
$1,500/mo
Job Growth
+3%
Sales Tax
7.25%
Raleigh is located in North Carolina with a population of 467,665. The median household salary is $72,000 per year ($35/hour), which is $12,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +3%.
Raleigh Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Raleigh, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$55,978
$4,664.83/month · $2,153.00/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.3%
Gross Pay
$72,000
Federal Tax
-$7,454
State Tax
-$3,060
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,508
Net Pay
$55,978
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,000.00 | $72,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$621.17 | -$7,454.00 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.25%) | -$255.00 | -$3,060.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$372.00 | -$4,464.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$87.00 | -$1,044.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,664.83 | $55,978.00 |
Salary Comparison: Raleigh vs Other Cities
See how Raleigh's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $72,000 | 102 | $70,588 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Chula Vista, CA | $72,000 | 140 | $51,429 |
| Elk Grove, CA | $72,000 | 115 | $62,609 |
| Roseville, CA | $72,000 | 115 | $62,609 |
| Arvada, CO | $72,000 | 110 | $65,455 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Raleigh
Raleigh's cost of living index is 102 (national average = 100). Living in Raleigh is 2% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500
Annual Rent Cost
$18,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $55,978 annual take-home pay in Raleigh has the purchasing power of approximately $54,880 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $73,440 in Raleigh to match a $72,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Raleigh
Raleigh's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $72,000.
Salary Tips for Raleigh Workers
- Research top industries. Raleigh's top industries include Technology, Government, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $72,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Raleigh, NC?
The median salary in Raleigh, NC is $72,000 per year, or $35 per hour. The average salary is $80,000. This is $12,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh's cost of living index is 102 (national average = 100), meaning it is 2% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $380,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,500.
What are the best industries in Raleigh?
The top industries in Raleigh, NC include Technology, Government, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 3% and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $72,000.
How does Raleigh's salary compare to other cities?
Raleigh's median salary of $72,000 is 21.2% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 102), the real purchasing power is approximately $70,588.
What is the minimum wage in Raleigh, NC?
The minimum wage in Raleigh, NC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.