Cost of Living
Expenses and affordability in daily life
Latest stories
-
Wake farmers take record diesel prices 'one day at a time' after price tops $6 a gallon nationally
While you may not buy diesel every day, you're likely feeling the effects of these high prices. Some of North Carolina’s farmers, including Joshua Logan of Grasshopper Farms in Knightdale, said the 2026 growing season has been like no other, and the price of diesel has affected him.
-
Fact-checking Trump's RNC claims about affordability, US senate candidates El-Sayed and Talarico
President Donald Trump headlined the first night of the Republicans’ first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, spotlighting policies about transgender people, illegal immigration and opponents who align with democratic socialism.
-
New report to highlight cost of living, safety issues in downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh Alliance on Wednesday will present its state of downtown report, which aims to cover key topics such as public safety, cost of living and overall progress in downtown Raleigh.
-
Raleigh leaders work to make childcare more accessible, affordable
Information about Raleigh leaders work to make childcare more accessible, affordable
-
Duke Energy bill too high? These changes are saving one Raleigh man up to $50 a month
A Raleigh man said Duke Energy programs and simple changes to when he uses electricity save him up to $50 a month, even as summer heat drives up cooling costs.
-
Fact-check: Trump says of prices: 'the food, the groceries, it’s all coming down'
“I inherited very, very high costs, and they’re all coming down now,” President Donald Trump said Aug. 4 on Fox News. “The food, the groceries, it’s all coming down.”
-
As another week of heat settles in, Duke Energy rate hike heads back before regulators
Another stretch of 90-degree temperatures is driving up cooling costs as Duke Energy defends its proposed rate hike before state regulators.
-
A $1,000 a month car payment is becoming more common
According to a new report from LendingTree, nearly one in 10 Americans with an auto loan now pays at least $1,000 every month for their vehicle. North Carolina is no exception.
-
Calls for housing and rent assistance continue to trend high in Triangle, call data shows
North Carolina's 211 hotline, where data is published in real time, offers a glimpse into how many people are in need of some form of assistance, both regionally and across the state
-
Utilities sought record rate increases this spring as Duke's request remains before NC regulators
A new report found utilities sought a record-high $9.2 billion in rate increases during the second quarter. North Carolina accounts for nearly $900 million of those requests, including Duke Energy's filings.
-
Duke Energy wants to raise rates, even as help for homeowners expires
As Duke seeks higher electric rates, regulators questioned what happens if thousands of low-income customers lose monthly bill assistance at the same time.
-
US households, businesses stung by higher energy prices that have pushed inflation above 4%
Rising gas prices pushed inflation to its highest level in three years last month, a headache for the Federal Reserve and a potential political challenge for the Trump administration as midterm elections near. New data showed Wednesday that consumer prices rose 4.2% in May from a year earlier, th...
-
Higher bills: Duke Energy holding public meeting in Durham on proposed energy rate hikes
Duke Energy customers across the state will have a chance to share their thoughts about a possible increase to their power bills.
-
5 On Your Side: What to do if you fall behind on car payments
Car payments are becoming harder for many families to afford as the cost of groceries, housing, insurance, and other bills continues to rise.
-
City of Raleigh budget proposal would increase taxes, focus on public safety
Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David presented the City of Raleigh's budget proposal for 2026-27 on Tuesday. She is proposing that the city spend $1.77 billion with a focus on improving services and public safety.
-
Stein, NC lawmakers push housing affordability proposals
Gov. Josh Stein signed a housing affordability executive order as lawmakers debate proposals tied to affordable housing development.
-
Durham sheriff's office says there was no threat against postponed Duke Energy rate hike meeting
A spokesperson with the sheriff's office said the agnecy is "not currently investigating any security concerns or active threats related to this meeting."
-
Durham City Council passes 60-day moratorium on data center development
Durham City Council members said the 60 days will give them more time to come up with a plan going forward.
-
Economist fears fuel prices to remain elevated for years
North Carolina State University economist Rob Handfield warns that gas prices could remain high through 2026 and beyond due to damaged oil infrastructure and ongoing global conflict.
-
Cary mobile home residents ask developers to pay relocation costs after property sale
Chatham Estates residents were in downtown Raleigh Tuesday asking the potential new owner to help with moving costs. It comes as residents were told the property would be sold and redeveloped with more than 300 multi-family units and nearly 100 townhomes.
-
‘Running out of corners to cut’: NC families struggle as temps and utility bills soar
As Duke Energy proposes an 18% rate hike over the next two years, people like Fuquay-Varina resident Melanie Joseph are struggling to manage electric bills that are unexpectedly jumping by hundreds of dollars.
-
As NC voters lose faith in the economy, Cooper and Whatley visit Triangle promising hope
More than half of North Carolina adults think the economy worsened during President Donald Trump’s second term. Now candidates for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat are pitching ways to put more money in people's pockets.
-
NC farmers feel strain from rising fertilizer costs and low supply amid Iran War
As the war enters its second month, farmers in North Carolina said it's now putting a strain on a resource they need to grow crops.
-
Rocky Mount residents protest proposed utility rate hikes as council weighs cuts Monday
People gathered outside Rocky Mount City Hall to protest proposed increases in utility rates that could begin as early as April 1.
-
Duke Energy customers speak out over spike in utility bills
Duke Energy customers are reporting unexpected spikes in their utility bills. One customer created a petition demanding audits and refunds gaining nearly 60,000 signatures.
