What Salary Do You Need to Buy a House in Raleigh

Thinking about buying a home in the Raleigh–Durham area? Prices are rising, neighborhoods vary widely, and knowing what salary you need can make or break your homebuying journey. In this guide, we’ll break down income requirements, compare Raleigh and Durham, highlight top suburbs, and give practical next steps — so you can make smart decisions before taking the plunge. Keep reading to find out if your paycheck matches your dream home.

How much income do you need to buy in Raleigh?

The Raleigh–Durham region remains one of North Carolina’s strongest housing markets thanks to tech, healthcare, and university-driven job growth. That demand affects prices — and it’s the reason many buyers ask the same practical question: how much income do you need to buy a house in Raleigh?

As of 2025, a typical single-family home in Raleigh will often list in the low-to-mid $400,000s. Using industry rules of thumb (a 10% down payment and keeping your mortgage payment to roughly 28% of gross income), a comfortable qualifying income usually sits between $85,000 and $110,000 per year for a median-priced house. Exact qualification depends on your credit score, debts, and current mortgage rates.

If you want a quick estimate, work with the 28/36 rule: mortgage payments (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) shouldn’t exceed 28% of your gross pay, and total debt payments should be under 36%.

Family walking in suburban Raleigh neighborhood

What can different salaries actually afford?

Translating salaries to price ranges makes planning easier:

$50,000/year — You may comfortably target homes in the $200k–$260k range, especially with low debts and a 10–20% down payment.
$70,000/year — You could qualify for homes around $300k–$360k, depending on down payment and other obligations.
$90k–$110k/year — This bracket opens up the market to median Raleigh homes and many desirable suburbs (Cary, North Raleigh, Apex).

For example, a $400,000 mortgage typically requires household income roughly in the $85,000–$100,000 range, assuming conventional loan underwriting, a reasonable down payment, and typical monthly debt obligations.

Raleigh vs. Durham: where is it cheaper, and which should you choose?

Raleigh and Durham sit inside the same regional economy but offer different lifestyles. Raleigh is often viewed as more planned and family-oriented, while Durham leans creative and historically rooted, with a strong university presence.

In general, Durham has been slightly more affordable than Raleigh — with median home prices typically a bit lower and rental rates a touch cheaper. That said, pockets of Durham (especially close to downtown and research corridors) have seen fast appreciation and investor interest.

Which is better? If you value top-rated public schools and quieter suburbs, Raleigh (or Cary and Apex) may be the better fit. If you prefer urban character, shorter commute times to downtown Durham, or investment opportunities near Duke/Research Triangle Park, Durham could be ideal.

Best suburbs and richest neighborhoods

If you’re searching for higher-end living, these areas are consistently top-ranked in the Triangle:

Cary — Known for safety, schools, and upscale subdivisions.
North Raleigh (27614 and nearby ZIPs) — Larger lots, golf communities, and established neighborhoods.
Apex & Holly Springs — Family-focused with newer build communities.

These neighborhoods command premium pricing, but they also offer long-term appreciation and strong community amenities. If you want local neighborhood guides, see our neighborhoods page.

Market direction: are prices dropping? Is now a bad time to buy?

After the rapid price growth during 2020–2023, the market entered a phase of stabilization. In some micro-markets you may see slight downward pressure (2–4%) as higher mortgage rates reduce buyer demand. However, long-term fundamentals — job growth, strong universities, and constrained land supply — keep the Triangle attractive.

Buying becomes risky if you plan to flip within months, but for buyers with a 5+ year horizon, purchasing now can still be a good financial decision. If you’re unsure about timing, talk to a local lender or agent to run numbers against current interest rates and your financial profile.

Planning your purchase: practical next steps

Check your credit score and reduce outstanding debt where possible.
Save for a 10–20% down payment to improve mortgage options.
Get pre‑approved — lenders will tell you exactly what price you can afford.
Explore neighborhoods and set realistic trade-offs (commute vs. schools vs. lot size).