Raleigh, NC vs Wake Forest, NC: Cost of Living Comparison
Raleigh has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Raleigh | Wake Forest | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 107 | 125 | Raleigh |
| Housing | 109 ($1,028) | 125 ($1,021) | Raleigh |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 110 ($451) | 162 ($664) | Raleigh |
| Utilities | 105 ($196) | 113 ($225) | Raleigh |
| Healthcare | 105 ($142) | 113 ($163) | Raleigh |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,970) | 99 ($47,970) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raleigh, NC or Wake Forest, NC cheaper to live in?
Raleigh, NC is cheaper overall by about 18 index points (Raleigh, NC: 107, Wake Forest, NC: 125; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC vs Wake Forest, NC?
A single adult needs roughly $37,450/year in Raleigh, NC and $43,750/year in Wake Forest, NC to cover basic living costs.