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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $862/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 11.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$862
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$10.3K
Per year

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

Columbus, GA

Population:207K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$153K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:111
Median Home:$512K

Columbus, GA

The Peach State

207K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 207K 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: Columbus, GA vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 28.4%
Columbus, GA
$1,923
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$546
more
🚗Transportation
↓ 11.3%
Columbus, GA
$1,448
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$164
less
📦Other
↑ 8.5%
Columbus, GA
$1,574
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$134
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 16.9%
Columbus, GA
$514
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$86.74
more
⚡All Utilities
↓ 6.5%
Columbus, GA
$585
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$38.25
less
🛒Groceries
→ 0.0%
Columbus, GA
$959
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$1,570
↑ $690
1 Bed
From$930
To$1,640
↑ $710
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,800
↑ $715
3 Bed
From$1,435
To$2,255
↑ $820
Columbus, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$1,290/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.

$7,003
Monthly in Columbus, GA
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$564
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Raleigh
$153K
Median Value
$512K
0%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +39.1%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$69K - $226K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 234% more expensive than Columbus

Calculate payment - ColumbusCalculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $1.3K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$111
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.9%
Rate difference

Columbus, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

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

Columbus, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

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.

Environment

Columbus
Raleigh
49 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
52.7%
Good Air Days
61.7%
82 Moderate
Climate Risk
96 High
None
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Georgia and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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