2026
Salary needed to live in Raleigh, NC (2026)
One adult needs about $55,200 before tax. Comfortable means both of these, while renting. Rent is at most 30% of gross pay. And money left after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills is at least $500 a month for one adult, $800 for a couple, or $1,000 for a family of two adults and one school-age child. The family row uses a two-bedroom and does not include full-time childcare.
Your saved paycheck is $94,748 from Chicago. You clear this figure by $39,548.
| Household | Salary needed | Rent | Rent share | Left each month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single One adult, one bedroom | $55,200 | $1,252 | 27% | $504 |
Couple Two adults, two equal paychecks, one bedroom | $84,300 | $1,252 | 18% | $805 |
Family Two adults, one school-age child, two bedrooms, no full-time childcare | $97,800 | $1,491 | 18% | $1,003 |
For one adult, leftover is the number that binds. Pay has to rise past the 30% rent line before $500 is left.
Is this a good salary in Raleigh?
One adult, one bedroom, earning the salary in Raleigh. Yes means rent is within 30% and at least $500 is left. Tight means something is left, but one of those two misses. No means the modelled bills use the paycheck.
| Salary | Left each month | Rent share | Good salary? |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $174 | 30% | Tight |
| $75,000 | $1,663 | 20% | Yes |
| $100,000 | $3,040 | 15% | Yes |
| $150,000 | $5,742 | 10% | Yes |
| $200,000 | $8,536 | 8% | Yes |
Questions
What salary do you need to live in Raleigh?
$55,200 for one adult in a one-bedroom in Raleigh, NC. A couple needs $84,300. A family of three needs $97,800.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Raleigh?
Yes. $100,000 in Raleigh keeps rent within 30% of gross and leaves at least $500 a month after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills.
Is $75,000 a good salary in Raleigh?
Yes. $75,000 in Raleigh keeps rent within 30% of gross and leaves at least $500 a month after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills.
How is the salary for Raleigh calculated?
Gross pay is solved so rent is at most 30% of it and leftover clears the cushion. Tax is federal, payroll, and NC wage tax, the same calculator as the city paycheck. The salary is what you earn in Raleigh, not a remote paycheck held constant.