Stay up to date with WRAL’s Cost of living news and reporting coverage
Whether you're planning a road trip or a weekly grocery run, timing is everything. Experts share tips on the best times to shop, fuel up, and book trips, while uncovering insider tips to stretch your dollar.
WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggety answers viewer questions about $170 million in state funds that were sitting in an account at an institutional cash management firm, unbeknownst to current state officials. He also answered questions about the cost of living.
U.S. inflation reached its highest level since February in June, with consumer prices rising 2.7% from a year earlier, in part because of new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Keely Arthur and Laura Leslie, WRAL reporters
The proposed rate increase would take effect in November. However, the proposal is subject to several public meetings before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
WRAL Staff
According to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York Consumer Expectation Survey, 75% of the firms responding say those costs are being passed onto consumers.
The school system's nutrition department has said the increased costs of labor, goods and shipping have put a financial strain on the department. It's the fourth price increase in the past four years.
Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter
U.S. News & World Report released its annual rankings Tuesday morning, evaluating more than 850 cities and towns across the country. Cary and Apex secured spots in the top 10, with Cary ranked No. 5 and Apex No. 7.
Cary and Apex secured spots in the top 10, with Cary ranked No. 5 and Apex No. 7.
Several communities across the U.S. offer a high quality of life at a lower price, which includes affordable housing, access to amenities, and welcoming locals.
Natalia Wolting
Three winter storms and inflation mean the state Department of Transportation is spending more than $100,000 to keep you safe in the snow.
Meal prepping can be an effective way to maintain a healthy diet while saving time and money.
A combined income of $98,000 is ideal for a family of four in North Carolina to live comfortably. That's according to an interactive report from the NC Budget and Tax Center estimating the cost of living for families of all sizes across the state.
People define success individually. But, in the view of many, a core part of success is earning enough to be financially independent and able to afford the necessities of life.
A third quarter market report released Thursday by Downtown Raleigh Alliance lists 16 developments currently under construction downtown.
Downtown Raleigh is growing -- fast.
Shaun Gallagher, WRAL reporter
WRAL's Heidi Kirk spoke with Triangle residents, who are worried about the rising cost of living for future generations.
In September, the median sales price for a home in Raleigh was $445,000, greater than in Charlotte, which was $410,000.
The cost of living is going up and it's apparent in the Triangle, where Raleigh ranks in the top 25 cities with the highest income needed to live comfortably.
Heidi Kirk, WRAL reporter
Five candidates are vying to become Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, Paul Fitts, Eugene Myrick, James Shaughnessy IV and Terrance "Truth" Ruth.
Cary voters will decide on two bond proposals this election season, including a $560 million bond for parks and recreation projects and a $30 million bond for housing projects and programs to help lower-income residents.
