Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.0% cheaper than Dallas, TX. This translates to saving $297 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Dallas, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $146,435.644 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dallas, TX and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 3.3% more expensive than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Dallas, TX to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Dallas, TX to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $297 per month, or $3564 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $297/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$297

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.6K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$512K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Dallas, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $77.96more	3.3%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$546/mo	↓ $16.39less	2.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $13.66less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 3.3%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$77.96

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Dallas, TX

$632

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Dallas, TX

$979

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.9%

Dallas, TX

$563

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$16.39

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$13.66

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$1,570

↑ $120

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,640

↑ $135

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,800

↑ $35.00

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$2,255

↑ $35.00

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$70.02

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Raleigh

$292K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 75% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.