Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Cupertino, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 48.5% cheaper than Cupertino, CA. This translates to saving $3640 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Cupertino, CA, you'd need approximately $106,322.605 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 69.7% cheaper than in Cupertino, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,869/month in Cupertino, CA.

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

Moving from Cupertino, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3640 per month, or $43677 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Cupertino, CA — COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area + state data

Current salary in Cupertino, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.3K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 48.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,640

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.7K

Per year

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

Cupertino, CA

Population:57K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:51

Median Home:$512K

Cupertino, CA

The Golden State

57K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 57K 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: Cupertino, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Cupertino, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$8,158/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,689less	69.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,093/mo	$959/mo	↓ $134less	12.3%
⚡All Utilities	$450/mo	$546/mo	↑ $96.68more	21.5%
🏥Healthcare	$684/mo	$601/mo	↓ $82.94less	12.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,319/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $35.17less	2.7%
📦Other	$1,711/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $3.35less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 69.7%

Cupertino, CA

$8,158

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,689

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.3%

Cupertino, CA

$1,093

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$134

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 21.5%

Cupertino, CA

$450

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$96.68

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Cupertino, CA

$684

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$82.94

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.7%

Cupertino, CA

$1,319

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$35.17

less

📦Other

↓ 0.2%

Cupertino, CA

$1,711

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$3.35

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,913

To$1,570

↓ $343

1 Bed

From$2,311

To$1,640

↓ $671

2 Bed

From$2,869

To$1,800

↓ $1,069

3 Bed

From$4,144

To$2,255

↓ $1,889

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.

$13,415

Monthly in Cupertino, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$5,848

Difference

Home Values

Cupertino

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

Cupertino, 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

Cupertino, 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.