Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Estero, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.1% more expensive than Estero, FL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Estero, FL, you'd need approximately $150,122.655 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 2.4% cheaper than in Estero, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,875/month in Estero, FL.

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

Estero, FL and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Estero, FL vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Estero, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $10.22/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$10.22

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$123

Per year

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

Estero, FL

Population:38K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$474K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Estero, FL

The Sunshine State

38K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 38K 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: Estero, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Estero, FL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
⚡All Utilities	$483/mo	$546/mo	↑ $63.66more	13.2%
🏠Housing	$2,529/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $59.78less	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$547/mo	$601/mo	↑ $53.60more	9.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,004/mo	$959/mo	↓ $44.36less	4.4%
📦Other	$1,665/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $42.48more	2.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,264/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $19.90more	1.6%

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.2%

Estero, FL

$483

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$63.66

🏠Housing

↓ 2.4%

Estero, FL

$2,529

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$59.78

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.8%

Estero, FL

$547

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$53.60

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Estero, FL

$1,004

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$44.36

less

📦Other

↑ 2.6%

Estero, FL

$1,665

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$42.48

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.6%

Estero, FL

$1,264

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$19.90

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,559

To$1,570

↑ $11.00

1 Bed

From$1,566

To$1,640

↑ $74.00

2 Bed

From$1,875

To$1,800

↓ $75.00

3 Bed

From$2,448

To$2,255

↓ $193

Estero, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,130–$2,130/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.

$7,492

Monthly in Estero, FL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$75.48

Difference

Home Values

Estero

Raleigh

$474K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +40.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$474K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 8% more expensive than Estero

Calculate payment - Estero 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

Estero, 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

Estero, 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.