Salary Needed to Live in Raleigh as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $26,076/year to live comfortably in Raleigh, NC — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$26,076
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$21,904
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,369
6% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Raleigh
| Expense | Raleigh | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $113 | $137 | -18% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $34 | $27 | +26% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $18 | $19 | -5% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $31 | $35 | -11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $156 | $223 | -30% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $56 | -7% |
| Internet | $65 | $65 | 0% |
| Phone (×2) | $140 | $140 | 0% |
| Dining & Social | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Entertainment | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $130 | $130 | 0% |
| Total Monthly | $1,369 | $1,462 | -6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,369
Target savings (12%):$222/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,591
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$26,076
Other Household Types in Raleigh
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Raleigh?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $26,076/year ($2,173/month gross) to live comfortably in Raleigh with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Raleigh?
A 1-2br apartment in Raleigh costs approximately $113/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Raleigh affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Raleigh is 6% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).