Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Fallbrook, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 39.7% cheaper than Fallbrook, CA. This translates to saving $2979 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fallbrook, CA, you'd need approximately $114,254.35 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 59.1% cheaper than in Fallbrook, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,494/month in Fallbrook, CA.

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

Moving from Fallbrook, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2979 per month, or $35746 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Fallbrook, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $114.3K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 39.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,979

Savings

Annual Impact

$35.7K

Per year

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

Fallbrook, CA

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$512K

Fallbrook, CA

The Golden State

32K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 32K 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: Fallbrook, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Fallbrook, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,030/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,561less	59.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,919/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $635less	33.1%
📦Other	$1,533/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $175more	11.4%
🏥Healthcare	$520/mo	$601/mo	↑ $81.07more	15.6%
⚡All Utilities	$526/mo	$546/mo	↑ $20.91more	4.0%
🛒Groceries	$980/mo	$959/mo	↓ $20.57less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.1%

Fallbrook, CA

$6,030

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,561

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 33.1%

Fallbrook, CA

$1,919

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$635

less

📦Other

↑ 11.4%

Fallbrook, CA

$1,533

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$175

🏥Healthcare

↑ 15.6%

Fallbrook, CA

$520

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$81.07

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Fallbrook, CA

$526

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$20.91

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.1%

Fallbrook, CA

$980

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$20.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,662

To$1,570

↓ $92.00

1 Bed

From$1,965

To$1,640

↓ $325

2 Bed

From$2,494

To$1,800

↓ $694

3 Bed

From$3,627

To$2,255

↓ $1,372

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.

$11,507

Monthly in Fallbrook, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,940

Difference

Home Values

Fallbrook

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

Fallbrook, 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

Fallbrook, 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.