Every year, rent, utilities and food increase in price. Yet, the cost of living in Raleigh has actually decreased over the past three years, according to James Sauls , Raleigh Economic Development Director. 

Sauls gets his information from ACCRA Cost of Living Indexes, which are determined by the Council for Community and Economic Research.

Though prices seem to be inflating despite the data, Sauls said the cost of living indexes are percentages compared to the national average. As the average rent payment in Raleigh has increased slightly, the national average rent payment increases drastically more, making it appear that Raleigh’s cost of living would decrease, according to Sauls .

Food is often a topic of concern for students under strict financial constraints. Sauls receives information on the price of food from the Council for Community and Economic Research. He then sends out a research team, who combs through the aisles of the different grocery stores in Raleigh in search of the specific items.

However, on-campus living is a unique situation where residents do not pay a traditional rent, yet shows the same price increases annually. According to Barry Olson, director of business and administration of Campus Housing and Greek Life, University Housing evaluates the price of on-campus housing every year and increases the price accordingly.

“Typically we increase, but we try to increase the percentage increase low, a goal of below four percent,” Olson said.

For Amanda King, a sophomore in psychology and an off-campus student, worrying about bills and getting to campus are added stresses when living off-campus.

“I think it’s important to live on campus for at least one year, but after that it’s up to you in terms of cost,” King said.

When King was deciding where to live after her freshman year, she looked at on-campus living as around $600 per month in rent, by dividing the flat rate by the amount of months included. She then looked around for off-campus housing and found an apartment for only $320 per month, almost half the price. According to King, the price is not the only contributing factor to her moving off-campus. She now has access to a kitchen, a parking spot and her own room. For anyone considering moving off-campus, King recommends to start searching early to get better rates and ask friends. According to King, friends are sometimes better real estate agents than real estate agents. 

Scott Brantley, homeowner’s association manager at the Preiss Company, said one reason for a relative increase in the cost of living is due to many properties including utilities, so the price for rent increases as the price for utilities increases. Signing the lease is the biggest indicator of cost of living. According to Brantley, Preiss sets a target average rent payment. To meet this average, and to entice tenants to sign up early, they off rent agreements below the average early in the season but higher than the average late in the season, increasing the rent as time goes on. However, Brantley said he offers a new item to be considered when choosing where to live. According to Brantley, living off-campus allows students to get away from school and  take a break, which on-campus cannot really do.

One cost that students have to also worry about is tuition. It seems like tuition is always increasing, but, according to Patrick Devore , senior in meteorology and Tuition and Fees Chair in the Student Senate, this is inevitable due to federal budget cuts. According to Devore , the Student Senate provides input when the University increases tuition, through the Student Body and Student Senate Presidents. However, aside from this input, students have little say in tuition hikes.

As a student, there are many variables that affect your cost of living. Whether you live on or off campus and buy your food from a grocery store or eat at a dining hall, everyone needs to consider all of the aspects and determine the right cost of living for their situation.