Raleigh Metro: A Top Business Destination

The Cost of Doing Business index examines cost factors across businesses, legal and regulatory environments, and tax climate. A company’s decision to grow or locate in a community relies heavily on the business environment. The bigger your business, the more expensive things tend to be. That’s partly why industry giants and Fortune 500 newcomers alike keep bringing their business to the Raleigh metro. Joining the many homegrown and domestic owned-companies, more than 700 internationally-owned companies have also set up shop here. The ease of doing business in the Raleigh metro is one of the most desirable traits of the state and attracts highquality companies and talent. The Raleigh metro has a pro-business regulatory environment and a low cost of living, making the metro a competitive place to live and work. Business costs are 5% below the national average and North Carolina has a AAA bond rating, making it one of only 13 states to earn this rating from all three major national bond rating agencies. 

#2 Best Business Climate-Large (Raleigh/Cary) Business Facilities, August 2024 

 #2 Best State for Business (North Carolina) CNBC, July 2024 

#2 Best Business Climate (North Carolina) Business Facilities, August 2024 

This content first appeared in WCED’s 2025 Metro Comps (Volume 5). Read more here.