Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Davis, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 13.2% cheaper than Davis, CA. This translates to saving $988 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Davis, CA, you'd need approximately $138,138.146 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 21.6% cheaper than in Davis, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,037/month in Davis, CA.

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

Moving from Davis, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $988 per month, or $11862 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Davis, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $988/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$988

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.9K

Per year

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

Davis, CA

Population:66K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$828K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$512K

Davis, CA

The Golden State

66K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 66K 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: Davis, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Davis, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,149/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $680less	21.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,035/mo	$959/mo	↓ $75.77less	7.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,357/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $72.55less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$518/mo	$546/mo	↑ $28.48more	5.5%
📦Other	$1,726/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $18.93less	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$605/mo	$601/mo	↓ $4.46less	0.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.6%

Davis, CA

$3,149

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$680

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.3%

Davis, CA

$1,035

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$75.77

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Davis, CA

$1,357

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$72.55

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.5%

Davis, CA

$518

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$28.48

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

Davis, CA

$1,726

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$18.93

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 0.7%

Davis, CA

$605

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$4.46

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,550

To$1,570

↑ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,567

To$1,640

↑ $73.00

2 Bed

From$2,037

To$1,800

↓ $237

3 Bed

From$2,825

To$2,255

↓ $570

Davis, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,930–$1,930/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.

$8,391

Monthly in Davis, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$824

Difference

Home Values

Davis

Raleigh

$828K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +17%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$828K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 38% less expensive than Davis

Calculate payment - Davis 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

Davis, 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

Davis, 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.