Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Delray Beach, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 9.1% cheaper than Delray Beach, FL. This translates to saving $681 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Delray Beach, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Delray Beach, FL, you'd need approximately $141,822.167 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Delray Beach, FL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.4% cheaper than in Delray Beach, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,733/month in Delray Beach, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Delray Beach, FL to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Delray Beach, FL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $681 per month, or $8178 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Delray Beach, FL vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Delray Beach, FL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Hialeah, FL area

Current salary in Delray Beach, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $681/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$681

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.2K

Per year

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

Delray Beach, FL

Population:68K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$340K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$512K

Delray Beach, FL

The Sunshine State

68K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 68K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

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: Delray Beach, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Delray Beach, FL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,785/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $316less	11.4%
📦Other	$1,834/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $126less	6.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,392/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $108less	7.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,053/mo	$959/mo	↓ $94.04less	8.9%
⚡All Utilities	$507/mo	$546/mo	↑ $39.76more	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$601/mo	↑ $26.50more	4.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.4%

Delray Beach, FL

$2,785

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$316

less

📦Other

↓ 6.9%

Delray Beach, FL

$1,834

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$126

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.8%

Delray Beach, FL

$1,392

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$108

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.9%

Delray Beach, FL

$1,053

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$94.04

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.8%

Delray Beach, FL

$507

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$39.76

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.6%

Delray Beach, FL

$574

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$26.50

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,377

To$1,570

↑ $193

1 Bed

From$1,466

To$1,640

↑ $174

2 Bed

From$1,733

To$1,800

↑ $67.00

3 Bed

From$2,243

To$2,255

↑ $12.00

Delray Beach, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,750–$2,560/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.

$8,146

Monthly in Delray Beach, FL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$579

Difference

Home Values

Delray Beach

Raleigh

$340K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -6.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +34.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$205K - $979K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 51% more expensive than Delray Beach

Calculate payment - Delray Beach 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

Delray Beach, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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

Delray Beach, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.