How Much House Can a Physical Therapist Afford in Raleigh?
A Physical Therapist earning $86,000/year in Raleigh can afford a home priced up to approximately $199,000 with a 20% down payment and standard 30-year mortgage at 6.95%. North Carolina charges a flat 4.75% state income tax.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Salary | $86,000 |
| Monthly Gross | $7,166 |
| Monthly Take-Home (~24% tax) | $5,446 |
| Max PITI (28% rule) | $1,525 |
| Affordable Home Price (20% down) | $199,000 |
| Affordable Home Price (10% down) | $177,000 |
| Estimated Down Payment (20%) | $39,800 |
| Monthly Mortgage Payment | $1,053 |
How Does Raleigh’s Housing Market Compare?
The median home price in Raleigh is approximately $400,000. A Physical Therapist earning $86,000 may need to explore outer suburbs or consider a dual-income household to comfortably purchase a median-priced home in Raleigh.
Tips for Homebuying in Raleigh on a Physical Therapist Salary
- Save aggressively for the down payment. With a target of $39,800, aim to save 15–20% of your take-home pay monthly until you hit your goal.
- Explore first-time homebuyer programs. NC and Raleigh may offer down payment assistance, closing cost grants, or favorable mortgage terms for qualifying buyers.
- Consider a 15-year mortgage. If budget allows, a shorter loan term dramatically reduces total interest paid over the life of the loan.
- Get pre-approved before shopping. A pre-approval letter strengthens your offer in Raleigh’s competitive real estate market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much house can a Physical Therapist afford in Raleigh?
A Physical Therapist earning $86,000 in Raleigh can typically afford a home priced between $177,000 (10% down) and $199,000 (20% down), using the 28% housing-to-income rule.
What is the median home price in Raleigh?
The median home price in Raleigh is approximately $400,000 as of 2026, depending on neighborhood and property type.
Is Raleigh affordable for Physical Therapists?
Raleigh has become more competitive in recent years. A Physical Therapist earning $86,000 may need to be strategic about location or consider dual-income to comfortably buy at the median price.
Learn More
Explore our full mortgage affordability guide: Mortgage Affordability Calculator 2026
For salary benchmarks: Physical Therapist Salary in Raleigh 2026