Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $437 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 14.4% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

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

Moving from Austin, TX to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $437/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

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, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Austin, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $416less	14.4%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$546/mo	↑ $5.46more	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.4%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$416

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$33.48

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Austin, TX

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$5.46

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Austin, TX

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,570

↓ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,640

↓ $45.00

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,800

↓ $195

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,255

↓ $270

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$431

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Raleigh

$558K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 8% less 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

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.