Average Rent in Raleigh 2026
Raleigh Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,700
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,100
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Raleigh
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Raleigh renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,400 | $1,700 | $2,100 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $100 | $125 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $16 | $19 | $22 |
| Total monthly | $1,586 | $1,914 | $2,342 |
Utility estimates scale with Raleigh’s cost of living index (104). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Raleigh
104
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Raleigh's cost of living index is 104, which is 4% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Raleigh at a Glance
Population
474K
Median Income
$72,576
COL Index
104
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Raleigh?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Raleigh by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,400/mo | $56,000 | $26.92/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,700/mo | $68,000 | $32.69/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,100/mo | $84,000 | $40.38/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Raleigh at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Raleigh apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Raleigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | 1-bedroom |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $850 in Raleigh — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Raleigh
Save $550/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,400
per month
Split 2BR
$850
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,600
per year
Instead of paying $1,400 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,700) with one roommate brings your share to $850. That is $6,600 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Raleigh
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,400–$2,800
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,400
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,400
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Raleigh: $2,850–$5,600 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Raleigh Compares to Other US Cities
Raleigh sits slightly above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Raleigh
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Raleigh Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Raleigh rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Raleigh
Is Raleigh expensive to rent in?
Raleigh is near the national average for rents and offers strong value for a growing tech hub. A 1-bedroom averages $1,400 per month in 2026. The Research Triangle draws well-paid workers, but new construction has kept rents relatively moderate compared to other tech-focused metros.
How much income do you need to rent in Raleigh?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,667 per month ($56,000 annually) to afford an average $1,400/month 1-bedroom apartment in Raleigh.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Raleigh?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,700/month) with one roommate brings your share to $850, saving $550 per month or $6,600 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Raleigh?
Renters in Raleigh typically pay about $100 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $16 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $186 on top of your $1,400 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Raleigh?
Most Raleigh landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,400 for a 1-bedroom at the Raleigh average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($2,800), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Raleigh affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Raleigh is $72,576, which comes out to about $6,048 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,400, that's roughly 23% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Raleigh?