Is Chapel Hill Expensive?

Raleigh, United States

+25% vs Raleigh avg

Living in Chapel Hill, Raleigh

Chapel Hill is the most expensive area in Raleigh, with a cost of living index of 73.2 — that is +25% compared to the Raleigh average. Only the top 1 of 30 neighborhoods cost more. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,812/month, compared to a range of $986 in Zebulon to $1,812 in Chapel Hill.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Chapel Hill, housing takes up roughly 55% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $72,500 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Chapel Hill

Salaries in Chapel Hill reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 73.2:

After tax and deductions of 25.1% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $72,500 would be roughly $54,302/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

73.2
COLI Index
1.25x
vs City Avg
$1,812
Est. 1BR Rent
#1
of 30 Areas
25.1%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Chapel Hill

Estimated annual deductions on a $54,900 salary in Chapel Hill, Raleigh (local employee).

Income Tax
13%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.7%
State Income Tax (NC)
4.5%
Total Deductions: 25.1%
Est. Take-Home: $41,099/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Chapel Hill would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $54,900
London GBP £47,246
Dubai AED AED 274,708

Other Neighborhoods in Raleigh

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Glenwood South 71.5 1.22x +22%
Downtown Raleigh 70.3 1.20x +20%
North Hills 69.1 1.18x +18%
ITB (Inside the Beltline) 69.1 1.18x +18%
Cameron Village 67.4 1.15x +15%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Raleigh →

Convert Your Salary

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Compare Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill vs Glenwood South Chapel Hill vs Durham Chapel Hill vs Downtown Raleigh Chapel Hill vs Zebulon

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Chapel Hill:

Gastown, Vancouver False Creek, Vancouver Old Town, Edinburgh Subiaco, Perth Applecross, Perth West University Place, Houston

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chapel Hill expensive in Raleigh?

Yes, Chapel Hill is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Raleigh. It costs about +25% more than the city average, ranking #1 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Chapel Hill compare to the Raleigh average?

The cost of living in Chapel Hill is significantly above the Raleigh average. With a multiplier of 1.25x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +25% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.