Can You Afford to Buy a Home in Raleigh-Cary?
The median home in Raleigh-Cary costs $381,000. To afford it at current mortgage rates with 20% down, you need a household income of about $104,014/year. Your monthly payment would be around $2,427, including taxes and insurance.
Based on national median home values adjusted by Raleigh-Cary’s Regional Price Parity (98.16). Current 30-year fixed rate: 6.52% (Freddie Mac, as of Jun 11, 2026). Methodology
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Monthly payment breakdown
$381,000 home, 20% down, 6.52% rate, 30-year fixed
Rent vs. buy in Raleigh-Cary
Buying costs $677/mo more than renting, but you build equity. Over 5 years at current appreciation rates, homeowners in similar markets have gained significant equity.
What can you afford in Raleigh-Cary?
Home price you can afford at each salary level (28% DTI, 20% down)
| Salary | Home you can afford | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | $132K | $2,427 |
| $75K | $247K | $2,427 |
| $100K | $363K | $2,427 |
| $125K | $478K | $2,427 |
| $150K | $593K | $2,427 |
| $200K | $823K | $2,427 |
Based on 28% front-end DTI ratio, 20% down payment, 6.52% 30-year fixed rate, 1.1% property tax, ~$150/mo insurance.
Can common careers afford a home in Raleigh-Cary?
Local median salary vs. the $104K needed to buy
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to buy a home in Raleigh-Cary?
To comfortably afford the median home ($381,000) in Raleigh-Cary with a 20% down payment and current mortgage rates, you need a household income of about $104,014. That keeps your housing costs at or below 28% of your gross income, which is the standard lender guideline.
How much does a house cost in Raleigh-Cary?
The median home price in the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area is $381,000, based on the Census ACS 2023 median home value for the metro. Prices vary widely by neighborhood. A 20% down payment would be $76,200, or $19,050 at 5% down.
What would my monthly mortgage be in Raleigh-Cary?
On a $381,000 home with 20% down at current rates, your estimated monthly payment would be $2,427 including principal, interest, property tax, and insurance. With only 5% down, add about $151/mo for PMI.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Raleigh-Cary?
Median 2-bedroom rent in Raleigh-Cary is $1,750/mo (HUD Fair Market Rent). The estimated mortgage payment on the median home is $2,427/mo. Buying is significantly more expensive monthly, though you build equity.