Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Arden-Arcade, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 13.9% cheaper than Arden-Arcade, CA. This translates to saving $1042 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Arden-Arcade, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Arden-Arcade, CA, you'd need approximately $137,498.122 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arden-Arcade, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 22.2% cheaper than in Arden-Arcade, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,514/month in Arden-Arcade, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arden-Arcade, CA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Arden-Arcade, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1042 per month, or $12502 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arden-Arcade, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Arden-Arcade, CA — COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area + state data

Current salary in Arden-Arcade, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,042

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.5K

Per year

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

Arden-Arcade, CA

Population:95K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$460K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$512K

Arden-Arcade, CA

The Golden State

95K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 95K 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: Arden-Arcade, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Arden-Arcade, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,175/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $706less	22.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,368/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $83.76less	6.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$959/mo	↓ $80.04less	7.7%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $33.19less	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$520/mo	$546/mo	↑ $26.34more	5.1%
🏥Healthcare	$608/mo	$601/mo	↓ $6.95less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 22.2%

Arden-Arcade, CA

$3,175

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$706

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.1%

Arden-Arcade, CA

$1,368

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$83.76

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

Arden-Arcade, CA

$1,039

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$80.04

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Arden-Arcade, CA

$1,741

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$33.19

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.1%

Arden-Arcade, CA

$520

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$26.34

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.1%

Arden-Arcade, CA

$608

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$6.95

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,023

To$1,570

↑ $547

1 Bed

From$1,187

To$1,640

↑ $453

2 Bed

From$1,514

To$1,800

↑ $286

3 Bed

From$2,128

To$2,255

↑ $127

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.

$8,451

Monthly in Arden-Arcade, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$884

Difference

Home Values

Arden-Arcade

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

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Arden-Arcade, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Arden-Arcade, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.