What is the MIT living wage in Raleigh NC?

The MIT Living Wage for Raleigh-Cary, NC (as of early 2025 data) for a single adult with no children is $25.86 per hour, while for two working adults with two children, it's $27.83 per hour per adult, totaling roughly $55,660 annually before taxes for the family unit. These figures cover basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare but don't include savings or discretionary spending, with some analyses suggesting a much higher income is needed for a comfortable life in the Triangle area.

What is a livable salary in Raleigh NC?

To live comfortably in Raleigh, NC, a single adult might need around $50,000 - $80,000+ annually, while a family could need $100,000 - $150,000+, depending heavily on lifestyle, housing choices, and savings goals, with estimates suggesting around $102,752 for a single person to be comfortable (including savings) or less to just get by ($43k after tax for single adult). Housing is a major factor, with a $115k-$125k income sometimes needed to afford a median-priced home. 

What does MIT living wage mean?

We developed the Living Wage Calculator to help individuals, communities, employers, and others estimate the local wage rate that a full-time worker requires to cover the costs of their family's basic needs where they live.

What is the median salary in Raleigh, NC?

The median salary in Raleigh, NC is $57,817, with 80% of salaries falling between $26,986 and $139,200.

What is middle class income in Raleigh, NC?

To be considered middle class in Raleigh in 2023, households needed to earn $57,534 to $172,618, putting it at No. 1 in the state in terms of highest middle-class income range.

Cost of Living in Raleigh NC

Is $100,000 a good salary in NC?

Yes, $100k is generally a very good salary in North Carolina, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, especially outside of the most expensive urban cores, though it stretches less in high-growth areas like Raleigh/Durham/Charlotte compared to the state average, with some studies showing it covers most needs well, while others suggest slightly more is needed for a truly "comfortable" life with significant savings or a family. 

How much does Chick-fil-A pay per hour in NC?

Chick-fil-A hourly pay in North Carolina generally ranges from around $12.90 to $16.00+ per hour, with variations by role and location, such as Team Members averaging $12.93/hour statewide, while some Raleigh positions list $16/hour, and Charlotte Crew Members around $14.74/hour, so check specific store listings for exact pay. 

How expensive is it to live in Raleigh, NC?

To live comfortably in Raleigh, NC, as a single adult with no dependents, you should aim for a salary around $72,000 before taxes. Expect to pay around $23,580/year for housing, $8,340/year for groceries, and $12,528 for goods and services. These costs will vary based on family size and location.

Is $120000 a good salary in NC?

A salary in the range of $60,000 to $80,000 is generally considered comfortable for a single person in North Carolina. High-paying fields like technology and healthcare can offer salaries reaching up to $120,000, while more common roles such as customer service representatives typically earn around $35,000.

How many Americans make $80,000 a year?

While exact real-time numbers vary, roughly 12-16% of U.S. households earn in the $75,000 to $99,999 range, placing many near the $80k mark, though a significant portion of workers (around 10-11%) also fall into the slightly higher $80k-$100k bracket, with millions earning around that income level or higher, reflecting that $80k is above the median individual income but below the top earners. 

Is $30,000 a year a livable wage?

A $30,000 a year salary is challenging but potentially livable, depending heavily on location, living situation (e.g., roommates, no car), and spending habits, though it's below average household expenses and median incomes in many high-cost areas, often requiring careful budgeting and prioritizing basic needs like housing, food, and utilities to cover costs in less expensive regions. 

Is $1200 a week a good salary?

Yes, $1,200 a week ($62,400/year) is generally a solid income in many areas, but whether it's "good" depends heavily on your cost of living, financial goals, and location, as it can cover basics and savings in low-cost areas but struggle in expensive cities. It translates to about $30/hour (40-hour week) or ~$2,500/month after taxes in many states, providing a good base for budgeting, but some find it tight for supporting a family or living in high-cost regions like California or major cities. 

What is a high salary in Raleigh, NC?

A high salary in Raleigh, NC, generally starts around $90,000 - $100,000+, with top earners in fields like tech, management, and healthcare exceeding $130,000 - $150,000+, though comfortable living can start lower for singles, while families often need $120k+ combined for a good lifestyle, considering the city's increasing cost of living, notes Raleigh Realty and ZipRecruiter. 

Is $90,000 a good salary in NC?

Yes, $90k is generally a very good salary in North Carolina, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, especially for singles or couples, though it's less so for a larger family, varying significantly by location (Raleigh/Charlotte vs. rural) and personal expenses like debt or housing goals. For a single person, it's considered comfortable, but a family of four might find it tight for a "modest" standard of living, according to recent data. 

What salary is considered low income in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, seniors are considered low income when they earn less than 80% of the area median income, which the U.S. Census reports as $60,516 for households and $34,209 for individuals as of 2021.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Raleigh?

The cheapest places to live near Raleigh are often smaller towns in surrounding counties like Zebulon, Knightdale, and Smithfield, offering lower housing costs and a small-town feel, while within Raleigh, areas like Mordecai, Creedmoor, and some parts of Southeast Raleigh (like Bryson Village, Stonehenge) provide budget-friendly options with access to city amenities, though costs are rising. 

What salary do I need to live in Raleigh, NC?

To live comfortably in Raleigh, NC, a single adult might need around $50,000 - $80,000+ annually, while a family could need $100,000 - $150,000+, depending heavily on lifestyle, housing choices, and savings goals, with estimates suggesting around $102,752 for a single person to be comfortable (including savings) or less to just get by ($43k after tax for single adult). Housing is a major factor, with a $115k-$125k income sometimes needed to afford a median-priced home. 

Is it cheaper to live in Cary or Raleigh, NC?

It is generally cheaper to live in Raleigh than in Cary, with Raleigh offering significantly lower housing costs (median home prices often $150k-$200k less) and overall lower living expenses, while Cary commands a premium for its top-rated schools, extensive parks, and family-oriented amenities, despite potentially higher resident incomes. Choose Raleigh for budget-friendliness and diverse options; choose Cary for a premium, high-quality suburban lifestyle if you can afford the higher price tag. 

How much does a 14 year old make at Chick-fil-A?

Chick-fil-A pay for 14-year-olds varies by location but generally falls between $9 to $13+ per hour, often starting lower for minors (e.g., $9-$10) and increasing with experience or hours worked, requiring a work permit and limited weekly hours due to child labor laws, with some operators offering slightly higher rates or benefits for older teens. 

What is the minimum wage in NC for fast food restaurants?

Employers doing business in North Carolina are required to pay at least $7.25 per hour to all employees (agricultural and domestic employees are subject to the federal minimum wage).

How much do Chick-fil-A cashiers make in NC?

Average Chick-fil-A Restaurants Cashier yearly pay in North Carolina is approximately $29,792, which is 20% above the national average.

What is considered upper class in Raleigh, NC?

Upper Class Salary in Raleigh, NC

$37.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. The median wage is $50.5K / yr. $63.7K is the 75th percentile.

What percent of Americans make 100K?

According to the US Census, about 17% of American households make between $100,000 and $149,999, 9.5% of households make between $150,000 and $199,999, and another 14% earn $200,000 or more.

What is a liveable salary in Raleigh NC?

To live comfortably in Raleigh, NC, a single adult generally needs around $50,000 to $100,000+ annually, with estimates varying from a minimum living wage of ~$43k (single, just making ends meet) to a comfortable living needing ~$103k, while a family of four might need over $100k to cover basics like housing, food, and childcare. Costs depend heavily on lifestyle, housing choices (roommates vs. solo), and family size, with the average cost of living rising significantly due to inflation.