Clayton, NC vs. Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Clayton or Raleigh? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Clayton and Raleigh, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two North Carolina cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Clayton and Raleigh:
| Housing Type | Clayton | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,250 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,550 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Clayton. Housing costs are significantly lower in Clayton compared to Raleigh, with potential savings of $350-550 per month.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also factor heavily into monthly budgets. In Clayton, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, gas, and trash. Costs may rise to $220 in peak summer months.
In Raleigh, monthly utility bills average $210, with summer highs around $250. Raleigh offers some off-peak energy plans that can provide savings.
🏆 Winner: Clayton. While the difference is less dramatic than housing, Clayton still comes out ahead on utility costs by about $30 per month.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a typical family of four, expect to budget around $800-900 per month for groceries in Clayton. Dining out averages $12-15 per meal per person at casual restaurants.
In Raleigh, grocery costs are about 5% higher, totaling $840-945 monthly. Restaurant prices are similar, averaging $13-16 per person.
🏆 Winner: Clayton, but only slightly. Grocery and dining costs are quite comparable between the two cities.
Taxes and Fees
Clayton’s property tax rate is 0.58%, while Raleigh’s is 0.6035%. For a $300,000 home, that’s a difference of about $70 per year. Both cities have additional municipal service fees, such as for trash and stormwater. HOA fees in Clayton typically range from $50-300 monthly, often including services like landscaping and neighborhood pools. In Raleigh, HOA fees span a similar range but may not cover additional amenities.
🏆 Winner: Clayton. The combination of lower property taxes and HOA fees that often include more services put Clayton slightly ahead in this category.
Cost Summary
| Category | Clayton | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $1,550 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $850 | $890 |
| Transportation | $300 | $280 |
| Taxes (property tax on $300k home) | $145 | $151 |
| Misc Costs (entertainment, clothes, etc) | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,525 | $4,181 |
Lifestyle Fit
While costs are lower across the board in Clayton, Raleigh offers some lifestyle advantages:
- Raleigh has more public transportation options, which can cut transportation costs for some households.
- Raleigh offers greater walkability and density, with more restaurants, shops and amenities in close range.
- However, Clayton provides more space and square footage for the money, appealing to those who value a slower pace and room to spread out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Clayton more affordable than Raleigh? Yes, the cost of living is lower in Clayton in nearly every major category, especially housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rental costs are about 20-30% lower in Clayton compared to Raleigh.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Clayton offers lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes, making it more affordable for homebuyers.
The Bottom Line
For those prioritizing affordability, Clayton is the clear winner, with potential savings of over $600 per month compared to Raleigh. However, Raleigh’s higher costs come with some quality of life advantages like walkability and public transit. Young professionals may prefer Raleigh, while families looking to stretch their budget may find Clayton ideal.
Budgeting is highly personal, so consider building out a sample monthly budget for Clayton or exploring the full cost of living breakdown for Clayton to see how your spending would stack up. If a move is in your future, be sure to check out our guide to the best moving companies to find reputable movers that fit your needs and budget.