Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Elk Grove, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 15.1% cheaper than Elk Grove, CA. This translates to saving $1133 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Elk Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $136,405.607 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 23.3% cheaper than in Elk Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA.

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

Moving from Elk Grove, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1133 per month, or $13594 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elk Grove, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Elk Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 15.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,133

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.6K

Per year

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

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$596K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$512K

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 178K 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: Elk Grove, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Elk Grove, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,221/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $752less	23.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,387/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $103less	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$959/mo	↓ $87.44less	8.4%
📦Other	$1,766/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $58.08less	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$524/mo	$546/mo	↑ $22.64more	4.3%
🏥Healthcare	$612/mo	$601/mo	↓ $11.29less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 23.3%

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$752

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$103

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$87.44

less

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$58.08

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.3%

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$22.64

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.8%

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$11.29

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,602

To$1,570

↓ $32.00

1 Bed

From$1,677

To$1,640

↓ $37.00

2 Bed

From$2,063

To$1,800

↓ $263

3 Bed

From$2,743

To$2,255

↓ $488

Elk Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,040/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.

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$989

Difference

Home Values

Elk Grove

Raleigh

$596K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$566K - $627K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 14% less expensive than Elk Grove

Calculate payment - Elk Grove 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

Elk Grove, 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

Elk Grove, 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.