Average Rent in Raleigh 2026
The average rent in Raleigh, NC is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom, $1,700 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,100 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Raleigh is 4% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $56,000.
Raleigh Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,400
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,700
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,100
per month
Cost of Living in Raleigh
104
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Raleigh's cost of living index is 104, which is 4% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Raleigh at a Glance
Population
474K
Median Income
$72,576
COL Index
104
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Raleigh?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Raleigh by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,400/mo rent
$56,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,700/mo rent
$68,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,100/mo rent
$84,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Raleigh
Save $550/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,400
per month
Split 2BR
$850
per person/month
Annual Savings
$6,600
per year
Instead of paying $1,400 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,700) with one roommate brings your share to $850. That is $6,600 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Raleigh Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Raleigh rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Raleigh
Is Raleigh expensive to rent in?
Raleigh is near the national average for rents and offers strong value for a growing tech hub. A 1-bedroom averages $1,400 per month in 2026. The Research Triangle draws well-paid workers, but new construction has kept rents relatively moderate compared to other tech-focused metros.
How much income do you need to rent in Raleigh?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $4,667 per month ($56,000 annually) to afford an average $1,400/month 1-bedroom apartment in Raleigh.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Raleigh?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,700/month) with one roommate brings your share to $850, saving $550 per month or $6,600 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Raleigh?