Salary Needed to Live in Raleigh as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $56,660/year to live comfortably in Raleigh, NC — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$56,660
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$45,328
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,833
3% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Raleigh
| Expense | Raleigh | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $173 | $209 | -17% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $56 | $44 | +27% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $27 | $28 | -4% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $39 | $44 | -11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $156 | $223 | -30% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $56 | -7% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,200 | $1,200 | 0% |
| Internet + Phones | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Children Activities | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Dining Out | $350 | $350 | 0% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $200 | $200 | 0% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Total Monthly | $2,833 | $2,934 | -3% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,833
Target savings (15%):$625/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,458
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$56,660
Other Household Types in Raleigh
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Raleigh?
A family with kids needs approximately $56,660/year ($4,722/month gross) to live comfortably in Raleigh with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Raleigh?
A 3br apartment/house in Raleigh costs approximately $173/month, which is the largest single expense at 6% of the total budget.
Is Raleigh affordable for a family with kids?
Raleigh is roughly average for family with kids costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.