RaleighMoney Index August 2026
"Research Triangle, real returns."
Raleigh — Money Index — Key Facts
- Happiness Score: 73/100. Residents rate life in Raleigh a 73/100 — one of the happiest big metros in the country.
- 24-Minute Commute. Raleigh's one-way commute is just 24 minutes — 3 minutes shorter than the US average. That's ~184 hours a year behind the wheel instead of ~207.
- Financial Stress: 48/100. Money stress in Raleigh sits at 48/100 — calmer than most big US cities.
- 15% Savings Rate. Raleigh households save about 15% of income — well above the ~8% US average. Quiet wealth, compounding fast.
- Work-Life Balance: 65/100. Raleigh scores 65/100 on work-life balance — one of the more livable big US metros.
- Median Household: $78k. Raleigh households earn about $78k — right around the US median.
- Cost of Living: 104. Raleigh's cost of living sits at 104 — basically the US baseline (100 = US average).
- 54% Own Their Home. Only 54% of Raleigh households own — well below the US average of ~65%. Most residents are still renting.
- Ranked #1 of 50. Raleigh ranks #1 of 50 on the PickYourBank US City Money Index — a blend of savings rate, income, affordability, happiness and work-life balance.
- 11% of Land Is Parks. Roughly 11% of Raleigh's land is parkland — about the big-city median.
The Research Triangle's mix of tech, academia, and healthcare gives Raleigh residents stable, high-savings paychecks.
With a median household income of ~$78k, a 15% savings rate, and a cost-of-living index of 104, Raleigh ranks #1 of 50 US cities in our overall money index.
Green space & commute
Two underrated money levers: how long you spend getting to work, and how much nature you can reach without paying for it.
About 11% of Raleigh's land is parkland — roughly in line with the typical big US city.
- • Source: Trust for Public Land ParkScore
- • Parks lower stress and lift nearby property values
- • Free recreation = zero-cost lifestyle upgrade
Raleigh's average commute (~24 min one-way) is close to the US average of ~27 minutes.
- • Source: US Census ACS mean one-way travel time
- • Owning a car runs ~$10k/year on average in the US
- • 10 fewer commute minutes/day ≈ 80 hours back per year
Typical Raleigh household budget
Modeled split of $100 of after-tax income, scaled to Raleigh's cost of living and savings rate.
How Raleigh feels about money
Four Raleigh money truths
Raleigh's savings rate runs 15% — automate even one extra percentage point and you compound serious money over a decade.
Raleigh runs above the US average, so price discipline matters more here than in most metros.
Owning unlocks fixed housing costs and equity. Renters here can still build wealth — just channel the difference into index funds and a high-yield savings account.
North Carolina residents in Raleigh report a 73/100 happiness score with stress at 48/100 — money habits and lifestyle here track that mix closely.
"Raleigh frequently ranks in the top 5 best US cities for jobs."
Money lessons from Raleigh
- 1
Stable industries = stable wealth
- 2
Use 401(k) matches in full
- 3
Buy near transit and jobs
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Raleigh money FAQ
Is Raleigh, North Carolina a good city for saving money?+
Raleigh households save about 15% of income, with a happiness score of 73/100 and a work-life balance score of 65/100. The Research Triangle's mix of tech, academia, and healthcare gives Raleigh residents stable, high-savings paychecks.
What is the median household income in Raleigh?+
The median household income in Raleigh, North Carolina is roughly $78,000 per year. About 58% of households have a 3-month emergency fund.
How affordable is Raleigh?+
Raleigh's cost of living index sits at 104 (100 = US average). Homeownership stands at 54%.
How long is the average commute in Raleigh?+
Raleigh's average commute (~24 min one-way) is close to the US average of ~27 minutes.
How much urban green space does Raleigh have?+
About 11% of Raleigh's land is parkland — roughly in line with the typical big US city.
What money personality fits Raleigh?+
The Strategist — Plans in decades and optimizes every tax bracket.
What's surprising about money in Raleigh?+
Raleigh frequently ranks in the top 5 best US cities for jobs.
