Average Rent in Raleigh, NC↑ Rents rising 7.1% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in NC

Raleigh, NC has rental prices ranging from $1,533/month to $2,961/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,592/month — 14% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $96,066/year, spending $1,592/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Raleigh Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,763/month, Raleigh ranks #3 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — pricier than 96% of all US cities in our data.

The Raleigh Rental Market

The Raleigh, NC area has a population of about 1,449,594 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Raleigh, NC have risen by $117/month (7.1%) over the past year, from $1,646 to $1,763. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $63,680. The local median household income of $96,066 exceeds that threshold by $32,386, making Raleigh relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Raleigh, NC is $437,035, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 20.7. With a break-even horizon of approximately 21 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Raleigh's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are South Raleigh ($294,081 median home value), Southeast Raleigh ($298,171 median home value), Northeast Raleigh ($331,242 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Raleigh, NC Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Raleigh?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Raleigh

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.