The Raleigh area is incredible. It’s full of classic North Carolina college towns, booming tech jobs, and enough craft breweries to keep your weekends interesting forever. The only problem? Rent. Unless you enjoy spending half your paycheck on a studio apartment the size of a walk-in closet, living downtown might not be an option. Luckily, there are a handful of affordable Raleigh suburbs that offer cheaper rent, more space, and a much lower chance of getting stuck behind a parade of e-scooters on your way to work.
Raleigh’s housing market at a glance
Raleigh’s housing prices have been on the rise, but there are still affordable options in the surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re renting or buying, understanding the market can help you find the best fit for your budget. Here’s a quick look at Raleigh’s current housing prices before diving into nine of the most affordable Raleigh suburbs.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh | $1,388 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Raleigh | $1,683 |
| Median home price in Raleigh | $400,000 |
1. Smithfield
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a town where people actually say “good morning” and mean it, Smithfield is calling.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $939
- Distance from Raleigh: 30 miles southeast
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 35 minutes
At $939 per month for a 1-bedroom, Smithfield is the most affordable Raleigh suburb on this list. The town has its own claim to fame—the Ava Gardner Museum, which celebrates the Hollywood legend who grew up here. Downtown Smithfield is full of historic buildings, local shops, and restaurants where people still believe in the power of quality customer service. Housing options in Smithfield range from charming brick homes to budget-friendly apartments, all at prices that make sense.
2. Graham
A place where rent is cheap, history is everywhere, and nobody judges you for spending an afternoon at a park doing absolutely nothing.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $995
- Distance from Raleigh: 50 miles northwest
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 50 minutes
With 1-bedroom apartment rent averaging $995 per month, Graham gives you affordability with a side of small-town hospitality. If you have kids (or just enjoy pressing buttons on interactive exhibits when no one’s looking), The Children’s Museum of Alamance County is a fun stop. For outdoor fun, South Graham Municipal Park has sports facilities, walking trails, and just enough shade for a solid afternoon nap. Housing here includes everything from budget apartments to historic homes that make you feel like you should own a rocking chair.
3. Henderson
If your dream home includes a boat, a fishing pole, and a backyard that doesn’t cost more than a college education, welcome to Henderson.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,025
- Distance from Raleigh: 45 miles north
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 50 minutes
At $1,025 per month for a 1-bedroom, Henderson is perfect for people who want affordable rent and easy access to the water. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a hotspot for boating, fishing, and that one friend who insists on paddleboarding every weekend. Downtown Henderson has historic buildings and local businesses that remind you of a time when things weren’t mass-produced. Housing includes everything from lakeside cottages to affordable apartments, making Henderson a great option for anyone who dreams of waterfront living without waterfront prices.
4. Creedmoor
A town where nature lovers, artists, and people who just want a little peace and quiet all get along.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,084
- Distance from Raleigh: 20 miles north
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 25 minutes
At $1,084 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Creedmoor is an escape from city chaos without putting you too far from the action. Cedar Creek Gallery is a local favorite, showcasing handcrafted pottery and glass art that will make you question every boring mug in your cabinet. For families, Harris Park has playgrounds and picnic areas where kids can run wild while you sip coffee and stare into the distance.
5. Goldsboro
The perfect mix of history, nature, and affordable rent, with the added bonus of not needing to sit in traffic for an hour just to buy groceries.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,095
- Distance from Raleigh: 50 miles southeast
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 55 minutes
Coming in at $1,095 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Goldsboro is an affordable Raleigh suburb that seamlessly combines history with outdoor adventure. Wayne County Museum gives you a look into the area’s past, while Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is full of scenic hiking trails and river views. Downtown Goldsboro is filled with historic architecture, local shops, and enough restaurants to keep your weekend plans interesting.
6. Carrboro
If you’ve ever wanted to live somewhere that has an incredible farmers’ market and a legendary music scene, this is your spot.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,219
- Distance from Raleigh: 32 miles northwest
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 35 minutes
At $1,219 per month for a 1-bedroom, Carrboro is where creative types go to avoid the city costs. The Carrboro Farmers’ Market is legendary, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and an excuse to pretend you know how to cook. Cat’s Cradle is one of the best live music venues in the state, hosting acts ranging from indie bands to artists who will be too famous to play there in six months. Housing in Carrboro includes apartments, townhouses, and quirky bungalows that add an undeniable charm.
7. Clayton
A fast-growing town where rent is still reasonable, and people will absolutely fight you over the best barbecue joint.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,225
- Distance from Raleigh: 16 miles southeast
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 20 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,225 per month, Clayton is a great option for renters who want affordability and convenience. Clemmons Educational State Forest has interactive forestry exhibits. Downtown Clayton is packed with art galleries, shops, and restaurants that make you feel like you’re in a much bigger city. And Clayton Community Park is equipped with sports facilities, walking trails, and green spaces where you can enjoy a little fresh air.
8. Sanford
The kind of place where you can go hiking in the morning, catch a live play in the afternoon, and still make it home in time for dinner.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,250
- Distance from Raleigh: 42 miles southwest
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 45 minutes
At $1,250 per month for a 1-bedroom, Sanford has a little something for everyone. San-Lee Park has biking trails, fishing lakes, and enough nature to make you forget about your inbox for a while. Temple Theatre, a restored 1920s venue, hosts live performances that remind you there’s more to entertainment than scrolling through your phone. Housing here includes affordable apartments and suburban neighborhoods where you can finally rent a place with a backyard.
9. Hillsborough
A town where every street looks like it belongs in a history book, and the surrounding trails will make you consider taking up photography.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,287
- Distance from Raleigh: 40 miles northwest
- Drive time to Raleigh: About 45 minutes
At $1,287 per month for a 1-bedroom, Hillsborough is a great pick for renters who love history, scenic hikes, and having a main street that looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie. Ayr Mount, a beautifully preserved Federal-era home with guided tours. If you’d rather get outside, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area has hiking trails and views that you simply won’t find elsewhere. For those who appreciate a good downtown stroll, Historic Downtown Hillsborough is full of charming colonial architecture, local shops, and restaurants where people still act like they have all the time in the world.
Find home in an affordable Raleigh suburb
Finding affordable Raleigh suburbs isn’t impossible—you just need to know where to look. If you want affordable rent and small-town charm, Smithfield is your best bet. Looking for a lakeside escape without selling off the family heirlooms? Henderson has your back. Want arts, live music, and farmer’s markets every weekend? Carrboro is the move.
No matter what your budget is, there’s an affordable Raleigh suburb where you can live affordably, enjoy a little extra space, and still make it into the city without packing a lunch for the drive. The hardest part? Picking the right one—and convincing your friends that yes, you actually like living outside the city.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Raleigh’s average rent and under 55 miles from downtown Raleigh. Average rental data from Raleigh rental market trends in January, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
