Retire Modestly in Raleigh, NC (2026)
Small apartment, cook at home, public transit, minimal travel. In Raleigh (COL 101), this costs $2,693/month — a $0K more than the US average.
Monthly budget breakdown
Estimated monthly expenses for a modest retirement in Raleigh (COL-adjusted from national baseline).
| Category | Monthly | Annual | % of budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $889 | $10,668 | 33% |
| Food | $404 | $4,848 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $377 | $4,524 | 14% |
| Transport | $323 | $3,876 | 12% |
| Leisure | $377 | $4,524 | 14% |
| Misc | $323 | $3,876 | 12% |
| Total | $2,693 | $32,320 | 100% |
How long to save $808K?
Time to reach your nest egg target investing at 7% annual return (S&P 500 historical avg).
| Monthly savings | Years to retire | Retirement age (start 30) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000/mo | 25 yrs | Age 55 |
| $2,000/mo | 18 yrs | Age 48 |
| $3,000/mo | 14 yrs | Age 44 |
| $5,000/mo | 10 yrs | Age 40 |
| $8,000/mo | 7 yrs | Age 37 |
Raleigh vs US average — Modest retirement
Other retirement tiers in Raleigh
Frequently asked questions
How much does a modest retirement cost in Raleigh?
A modest retirement in Raleigh costs approximately $32,320/year or $2,693/month — based on a 101 cost-of-living index (US avg = 100). Using the 4% safe withdrawal rule, you need a nest egg of about $808K.
How long will it take to save $808K for retirement in Raleigh?
Saving $2,000/month at a 7% average annual return would take roughly 18 years to accumulate $808K. At $3,000/month, it would take about 14 years. These estimates assume consistent investing in a diversified portfolio.
What is the biggest expense in a modest retirement in Raleigh?
Housing is the largest expense at roughly 33% of the budget ($889/month). Healthcare ($377/month) is the second-largest category.
4% safe withdrawal rule · 7% annualized return assumption · COL-adjusted from BLS data · Q1 2026 estimates