Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Belmont, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 37.4% cheaper than Belmont, CA. This translates to saving $2805 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Belmont, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Belmont, CA, you'd need approximately $116,342.757 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Belmont, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 57.4% cheaper than in Belmont, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,153/month in Belmont, CA.

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

Moving from Belmont, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2805 per month, or $33657 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Belmont, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Belmont, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Belmont, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,805

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.7K

Per year

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

Belmont, CA

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.20M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$512K

Belmont, CA

The Golden State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 27K 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: Belmont, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Belmont, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,798/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,329less	57.4%
🚗Transportation	$2,027/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $743less	36.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,123/mo	$959/mo	↓ $164less	14.6%
⚡All Utilities	$434/mo	$546/mo	↑ $112more	25.8%
🏥Healthcare	$684/mo	$601/mo	↓ $83.47less	12.2%
📦Other	$1,761/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $53.14less	3.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 57.4%

Belmont, CA

$5,798

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,329

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.6%

Belmont, CA

$2,027

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$743

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.6%

Belmont, CA

$1,123

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$164

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 25.8%

Belmont, CA

$434

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$112

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.2%

Belmont, CA

$684

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$83.47

less

📦Other

↓ 3.0%

Belmont, CA

$1,761

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$53.14

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,171

To$1,570

↓ $601

1 Bed

From$2,602

To$1,640

↓ $962

2 Bed

From$3,153

To$1,800

↓ $1,353

3 Bed

From$4,031

To$2,255

↓ $1,776

Belmont, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,260–$3,260/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.

$11,828

Monthly in Belmont, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,261

Difference

Home Values

Belmont

Raleigh

$2.20M

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$2.20M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 77% less expensive than Belmont

Calculate payment - Belmont 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

Belmont, 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

Belmont, 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.