Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Dana Point, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 43.7% cheaper than Dana Point, CA. This translates to saving $3275 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dana Point, CA, you'd need approximately $110,704.677 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 61.7% cheaper than in Dana Point, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,668/month in Dana Point, CA.

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

Moving from Dana Point, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3275 per month, or $39295 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Dana Point, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Dana Point, CA — COL adjusted from Irvine, CA area + state data

Current salary in Dana Point, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 43.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,275

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.3K

Per year

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

Dana Point, CA

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$512K

Dana Point, CA

The Golden State

33K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 33K 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: Dana Point, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Dana Point, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,452/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,983less	61.7%
🚗Transportation	$2,053/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $769less	37.5%
📦Other	$1,640/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $67.34more	4.1%
🏥Healthcare	$538/mo	$601/mo	↑ $63.18more	11.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,014/mo	$959/mo	↓ $54.28less	5.4%
⚡All Utilities	$544/mo	$546/mo	↑ $2.83more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.7%

Dana Point, CA

$6,452

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,983

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 37.5%

Dana Point, CA

$2,053

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$769

less

📦Other

↑ 4.1%

Dana Point, CA

$1,640

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$67.34

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.7%

Dana Point, CA

$538

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$63.18

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.4%

Dana Point, CA

$1,014

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$54.28

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.5%

Dana Point, CA

$544

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$2.83

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,779

To$1,570

↓ $209

1 Bed

From$2,102

To$1,640

↓ $462

2 Bed

From$2,668

To$1,800

↓ $868

3 Bed

From$3,881

To$2,255

↓ $1,626

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.

$12,240

Monthly in Dana Point, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,673

Difference

Home Values

Dana Point

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

Dana Point, 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

Dana Point, 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.