Can I Afford to Live in Raleigh vs Roanoke on $100K?
Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Raleigh NC | Roanoke VA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,946 | $5,838 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,200 |
| Groceries (est.) | $365 | $361 |
| Transport (est.) | $70 | $48 |
| Utilities | $150 | $155 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,601/month | $4,014/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in Raleigh?
At $100K/year in Raleigh, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,946. With 1BR rent around $1,700/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $100K a good salary in Roanoke?
At $100K/year in Roanoke, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,838. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Roanoke leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,014/month vs $3,601/month in Raleigh.
Can I afford to live alone in Raleigh on $100K?
Yes. At $100K in Raleigh, rent takes 29% of your take-home, leaving $3,601/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only