#9city
Raleigh, NC
Research Triangle anchor — strong tech hiring and moderate cost of living versus coastal metros.
- Overall rank
- #9 of 25
- Relocation score
- 62 / 100
- Cost of living
- 102 US avg = 100
- Median household income
- $80,000
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- State income tax (top)
- 4.5%
- Jan low / Jul high
- 32°F / 89°F
- Region type
- city
Data sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — LAUS (2024 Q4) — unemployment rate
- Bureau of Economic Analysis — Regional Price Parities (2023) — cost of living index
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-Year Estimates (2023) — median household income
- Tax Foundation (2024) — state top income tax rate
- NOAA — U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020) — January low / July high temperatures
Data updated: May 21, 2026, 10:40 AM UTC · 25 regions ranked · Run 13552fba · Checksum 604ee0e8d132…
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