Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 8.5% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $637 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $142,358.491 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 5.9% cheaper than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $637 per month, or $7642 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $637/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$637

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

Per year

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

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$512K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

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: Atlanta, GA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Atlanta, GA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $218less	11.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $164less	11.3%
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $156less	5.9%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$546/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

📦Other

↓ 11.3%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$218

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.3%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$164

less

🏠Housing

↓ 5.9%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$156

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.5%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$38.25

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,570

↓ $295

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,640

↓ $310

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,800

↓ $340

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$2,255

↓ $310

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

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.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$563

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Raleigh

$441K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 16% more expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$111

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

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

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.