Is Clayton Expensive?

Raleigh, United States

-30% vs Raleigh avg

Living in Clayton, Raleigh

Clayton is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Raleigh, with a cost of living index of 41.0 — that is -30% compared to the Raleigh average. Ranked #29 of 30, it offers some of the lowest costs in the city. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,015/month, compared to a range of $986 in Zebulon to $1,812 in Chapel Hill.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Clayton, housing takes up roughly 31% 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 $40,600 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Clayton

Salaries in Clayton reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 41.0:

After tax and deductions of 23.4% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $40,600 would be roughly $31,100/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

41.0
COLI Index
0.70x
vs City Avg
$1,015
Est. 1BR Rent
#29
of 30 Areas
23.4%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Clayton

Estimated annual deductions on a $30,750 salary in Clayton, Raleigh (local employee).

Income Tax
11%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (NC)
4.5%
Total Deductions: 23.4%
Est. Take-Home: $23,556/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

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

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $30,750
London GBP £26,463
Dubai AED AED 153,866

Other Neighborhoods in Raleigh

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Chapel Hill 73.2 1.25x +25%
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%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Raleigh →

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Compare Clayton

Clayton vs Wendell Clayton vs Zebulon

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Clayton:

Pasteur, Nice Kashii, Fukuoka Whites Creek, Nashville Sun City, Phoenix Avondale, Phoenix Evere, Brussels

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clayton expensive in Raleigh?

Clayton is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Raleigh. It costs about -30% less than the city average, ranking #29 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Clayton compare to the Raleigh average?

The cost of living in Clayton is well below the Raleigh average. With a multiplier of 0.70x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -30% 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.