How Much Does It Cost To Live in Raleigh, NC?
If you’re considering a move to Raleigh, NC, especially from major coastal cities like Los Angeles or New York, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the cost of living compared to the awesome quality of life here in the City of Oaks. From a cup of gourmet coffee to a beautiful new home, you’ll love the variety, quality, and most of all, price!
Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC
Housing
How much you pay for a home will vary according to size, age and location. The median cost of a home in Raleigh is $360,891 (Zillow),Typically, homes in the suburban areas will be less expensive than those intown, but this depends on whether or not it is new construction, the amenities in the community, and finish level of the home. Any way you look at it, the cost of housing in Raleigh is considerably less than on either coast. The Raleigh housing market is nearly 152% less expensive than the Los Angeles market, and about 148% less expensive than in New York City.
Utilities
Utilities in Raleigh cost about 50% less than they do in New York City. Though that’s due in some part to the newer construction and more energy efficient systems and appliances in many homes, weather is also a factor. It costs less to warm a home in the winter in North Carolina. Winter lows in New York are consistently below freezing, while in Raleigh, even if the temperatures dip at night, the days warm up considerably with plenty of sunshine.
Transportation
Raleigh is primarily a driving city, though it does offer public bus and light rail service. Whether you travel by car or bus, the cost of transportation is significantly less than in New York or Los Angeles. A one-way trip on public transit in Raleigh costs just $1.25 compared to a $2.75 ticket in New York. And if you’ve got a car, you’ll do a lot less driving in Raleigh than in Los Angeles. Raleigh is a mere 147 square miles compared to L.A.’s 503!
Healthcare
Healthcare in Raleigh is quite reasonable, in part because of the university medical centers that provide access to quality, low-cost care. Healthcare costs about 35% less than it does in NYC, though it is more comparable to costs in L.A. A self-pay doctor’s visit in Raleigh costs about $100 and a regular trip to the dentist costs about the same amount.
A Cup of Coffee
Here’s the information that you really came to this blog post for! A tall Caff Americano at Starbucks in Raleigh costs about $3.55, while the same cup of Joe in New York costs about $3.68.
Overall, it makes great financial sense to live in Raleigh, especially if you are moving from either coast. While these cost of living indexes alone might help you in your decision, remember that you’ll also save a ton of money on recreation and activities. There are countless ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in North Carolina, many of which don’t cost a dime.
If you’re interested in relocating and need information on new homes in the Raleigh area, contact us at 919-205-3404. We’d love to help you discover The Home of Your Life in Raleigh!