Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Apache Junction, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.4% cheaper than Apache Junction, AZ. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Apache Junction, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Apache Junction, AZ, you'd need approximately $149,634.526 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Apache Junction, AZ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 7.3% more expensive than in Apache Junction, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,125/month in Apache Junction, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Apache Junction, AZ to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Apache Junction, AZ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $30 per month, or $365 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Apache Junction, AZ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Apache Junction, AZ — COL adjusted from Mesa, AZ area + state data

Current salary in Apache Junction, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $30.46/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.6K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$30.46

Savings

Annual Impact

$365

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Apache Junction, AZ

Population:41K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$395K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Apache Junction, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

41K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 41K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Apache Junction, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Apache Junction, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,300/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $169more	7.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,408/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $124less	8.8%
📦Other	$1,615/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $92.91more	5.8%
🏥Healthcare	$572/mo	$601/mo	↑ $28.63more	5.0%
🛒Groceries	$933/mo	$959/mo	↑ $26.46more	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$531/mo	$546/mo	↑ $15.07more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 7.3%

Apache Junction, AZ

$2,300

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$169

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.8%

Apache Junction, AZ

$1,408

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$124

less

📦Other

↑ 5.8%

Apache Junction, AZ

$1,615

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$92.91

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.0%

Apache Junction, AZ

$572

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$28.63

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.8%

Apache Junction, AZ

$933

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$26.46

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.8%

Apache Junction, AZ

$531

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$15.07

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$764

To$1,570

↑ $806

1 Bed

From$884

To$1,640

↑ $756

2 Bed

From$1,125

To$1,800

↑ $675

3 Bed

From$1,607

To$2,255

↑ $648

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,359

Monthly in Apache Junction, AZ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$208

Difference

Home Values

Apache Junction

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$158

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Apache Junction, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Apache Junction, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.