Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Carteret, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.0% cheaper than Carteret, NJ. This translates to saving $375 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Carteret, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Carteret, NJ, you'd need approximately $145,495.995 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Carteret, NJ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 28.3% more expensive than in Carteret, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,162/month in Carteret, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Carteret, NJ to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Carteret, NJ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $375 per month, or $4504 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Carteret, NJ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Carteret, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Carteret, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $375/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$375

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

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

Carteret, NJ

Population:25K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$540K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$512K

Carteret, NJ

The Garden State

25K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 25K 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: Carteret, NJ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Carteret, NJ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,924/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $545more	28.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,511/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $227less	15.0%
📦Other	$1,915/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $208less	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$959/mo	↓ $110less	10.2%
🏥Healthcare	$669/mo	$601/mo	↓ $67.72less	10.1%
⚡All Utilities	$579/mo	$546/mo	↓ $32.71less	5.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.3%

Carteret, NJ

$1,924

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$545

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.0%

Carteret, NJ

$1,511

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$227

less

📦Other

↓ 10.8%

Carteret, NJ

$1,915

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$208

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.2%

Carteret, NJ

$1,069

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.1%

Carteret, NJ

$669

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$67.72

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.6%

Carteret, NJ

$579

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$32.71

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,567

To$1,570

↑ $3.00

1 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,640

↓ $80.00

2 Bed

From$2,162

To$1,800

↓ $362

3 Bed

From$2,596

To$2,255

↓ $341

Carteret, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,140–$2,140/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.

$7,667

Monthly in Carteret, NJ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$99.59

Difference

Home Values

Carteret

Raleigh

$540K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +46.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$540K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 5% less expensive than Carteret

Calculate payment - Carteret Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $306

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Carteret, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Carteret, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.