Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Chico, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.8% cheaper than Chico, CA. This translates to saving $136 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chico, CA, you'd need approximately $148,369.325 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.3% cheaper than in Chico, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,227/month in Chico, CA.

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

Moving from Chico, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $136 per month, or $1631 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Chico, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area

Current salary in Chico, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $136/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$136

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

Chico, CA

Population:101K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$449K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$512K

Chico, CA

The Golden State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 101K 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: Chico, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Chico, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,785/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $316less	11.3%
📦Other	$1,527/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $181more	11.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,200/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $84.51more	7.0%
⚡All Utilities	$487/mo	$546/mo	↑ $59.38more	12.2%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$601/mo	↑ $31.67more	5.6%
🛒Groceries	$973/mo	$959/mo	↓ $14.01less	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.3%

Chico, CA

$2,785

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$316

less

📦Other

↑ 11.9%

Chico, CA

$1,527

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$181

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.0%

Chico, CA

$1,200

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$84.51

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.2%

Chico, CA

$487

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$59.38

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.6%

Chico, CA

$569

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$31.67

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.4%

Chico, CA

$973

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$14.01

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$876

To$1,570

↑ $694

1 Bed

From$962

To$1,640

↑ $678

2 Bed

From$1,227

To$1,800

↑ $573

3 Bed

From$1,708

To$2,255

↑ $547

Chico, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,340/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.

$7,540

Monthly in Chico, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$26.78

Difference

Home Values

Chico

Raleigh

$449K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +8.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$449K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 14% more expensive than Chico

Calculate payment - Chico 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

Chico, 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

Chico, 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.