Cash Flow Investing in Raleigh, NC
Data-driven cash flow analysis for Raleigh, NC — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for Cash Flow
Cap Rate
5.1%
Moderate
Rent-to-Price
0.45%
Below 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
7.5%
Healthy
Property Tax
0.80%
Very low
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
Raleigh Research Triangle is one of the strongest job markets in the US with tech, biotech, and university employment. Low vacancy and high income support premium rents — a growth-first market.
How Raleigh Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #25 | Tampa, FL | 4.1 | 5.5% | $350,000 |
| #26 | St. Louis, MO | 4.0 | 7.4% | $165,000 |
| #27 | Atlanta, GA | 4.0 | 5.9% | $320,000 |
| #28 | Raleigh, NC | 4.0 | 5.1% | $380,000 |
| #29 | Pittsburgh, PA | 3.9 | 7.2% | $180,000 |
| #30 | San Antonio, TX | 3.9 | 6.5% | $250,000 |
| #31 | Denver, CO | 3.9 | 4.4% | $525,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Raleigh for this strategy.
Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return
Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cash flow score for Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh, NC scores 4.0 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #28 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: rent-to-price ratio (30%), cap rate (30%), low vacancy (20%), low property taxes (20%). Scale 0–10.
Is Raleigh a good city for cash flow investing?
Raleigh, NC ranks #28 for cash flow investing with a score of 4.0/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.
What is the average cap rate in Raleigh?
The average cap rate in Raleigh, NC is 5.1%. The median home price is $380,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,700, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.45%.
What are the property taxes in Raleigh?
The effective property tax rate in Raleigh, NC is 0.80%. On a $380,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,040 per year in property taxes.
How does Raleigh compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Raleigh, NC ranks #28 for cash flow investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.
Does Raleigh meet the 1% rule?
Raleigh, NC has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.45%, which falls significantly below the 1% rule. However, the 1% rule is a rough guideline — individual deals can still cash flow well in this market.
Run Your Own Numbers for Raleigh
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Raleigh, NC market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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