Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Carmichael, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 13.6% cheaper than Carmichael, CA. This translates to saving $1017 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Carmichael, CA, you'd need approximately $137,797.892 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 21.9% cheaper than in Carmichael, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,508/month in Carmichael, CA.

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

Moving from Carmichael, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1017 per month, or $12202 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Carmichael, CA — COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area + state data

Current salary in Carmichael, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 13.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,017

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.2K

Per year

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

Carmichael, CA

Population:80K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$460K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$512K

Carmichael, CA

The Golden State

80K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 80K 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: Carmichael, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Carmichael, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,163/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $694less	21.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,363/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $78.48less	5.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,037/mo	$959/mo	↓ $78.03less	7.5%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.35more	5.3%
📦Other	$1,734/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $26.48less	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$601/mo	↓ $5.78less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.9%

Carmichael, CA

$3,163

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$694

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.8%

Carmichael, CA

$1,363

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$78.48

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.5%

Carmichael, CA

$1,037

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$78.03

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Carmichael, CA

$519

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.35

📦Other

↓ 1.5%

Carmichael, CA

$1,734

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$26.48

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Carmichael, CA

$607

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$5.78

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,019

To$1,570

↑ $551

1 Bed

From$1,182

To$1,640

↑ $458

2 Bed

From$1,508

To$1,800

↑ $292

3 Bed

From$2,120

To$2,255

↑ $135

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.

$8,423

Monthly in Carmichael, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$856

Difference

Home Values

Carmichael

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

Carmichael, 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

Carmichael, 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.