Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Austin, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.7% more expensive than Austin, MN. This translates to spending an extra $503 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Austin, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, MN, you'd need approximately $156,035.708 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, MN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.2% more expensive than in Austin, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $787/month in Austin, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, MN to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $503 more per month than Austin, MN, or $6036 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Austin, MN vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Austin, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Saint Paul, MN area

Current salary in Austin, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $503/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.0K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$503

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.0K

Per year

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

Austin, MN

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$181K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$512K

Austin, MN

The North Star State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 26K 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: Austin, MN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Austin, MN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,106/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $363more	17.2%
📦Other	$1,493/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $215more	14.4%
🏥Healthcare	$703/mo	$601/mo	↓ $102less	14.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,194/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $89.60more	7.5%
⚡All Utilities	$473/mo	$546/mo	↑ $73.59more	15.6%
🛒Groceries	$958/mo	$959/mo	↑ $1.63more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 17.2%

Austin, MN

$2,106

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$363

📦Other

↑ 14.4%

Austin, MN

$1,493

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$215

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.5%

Austin, MN

$703

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$102

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.5%

Austin, MN

$1,194

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$89.60

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.6%

Austin, MN

$473

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$73.59

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.2%

Austin, MN

$958

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$1.63

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$545

To$1,570

↑ $1,025

1 Bed

From$603

To$1,640

↑ $1,037

2 Bed

From$787

To$1,800

↑ $1,013

3 Bed

From$1,016

To$2,255

↑ $1,239

Austin, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$820/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.

$6,927

Monthly in Austin, MN

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$640

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Raleigh

$181K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +5.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +41.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$181K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 182% more expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$276

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

Rate difference

Austin, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Austin, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.