Living Alone in Raleigh, NC: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Raleigh. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
B
$1,122/month
Raleigh is close to the national average for solo living costs.
$19,234
Minimum Salary Needed
$23,081
Comfortable Salary
$360
Essential Costs
$762
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Raleigh Look Like?
Known as "the City of Oaks", Raleigh is a mid-size city in the South with a population of 467,665 and a median household income of $67,266. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $93/month, which accounts for 8% of your total monthly spend. Costs here track close to the national median, giving you a representative experience of typical American solo living expenses.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $93 | 8% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $22 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $23 | 2% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $156 | 14% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | 5% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $65 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $77 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $250 | 22% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $150 | 13% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $80 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $95 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 4% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $1,122 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Raleigh?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Raleigh:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,345
monthly surplus
Save 55%
$50,000
gross annual
+$1,961
monthly surplus
Save 64%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,578
monthly surplus
Save 70%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,503
monthly surplus
Save 76%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,045
monthly surplus
Save 82%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,586
monthly surplus
Save 85%
Tips for Living Alone in Raleigh
- 💡 Housing: Raleigh's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $150/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a mid-size city like Raleigh, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $100/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $52/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $23,081 salary, aim for $712 needs, $427 wants, $285 savings per month.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Raleigh?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Raleigh is $1,122, including $93 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$22 for groceries, and $14 for utilities. This is 0% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Raleigh?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $19,234 to cover basic living expenses alone in Raleigh. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $23,081.
Is Raleigh affordable for a single person?
Raleigh is roughly average for solo living costs, making it accessible for most single earners with a steady income of $19,234 or more.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Raleigh?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 8% of the total monthly budget at $93/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($23) and groceries ($22).