Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Florence, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.4% more expensive than Florence, SC. This translates to spending an extra $403 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Florence, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Florence, SC, you'd need approximately $154,841.693 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Florence, SC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.7% more expensive than in Florence, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,316/month in Florence, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Florence, SC to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $403 more per month than Florence, SC, or $4842 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Florence, SC vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Florence, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Florence, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $403/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$403

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.8K

Per year

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

Florence, SC

Population:41K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$231K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Florence, SC

The Palmetto State

41K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 41K 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: Florence, SC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Florence, SC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,210/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $259more	11.7%
📦Other	$1,608/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $99.60more	6.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,203/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $81.33more	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.19more	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$960/mo	$959/mo	↓ $0.25less	0.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$601/mo	↓ $0.16less	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.7%

Florence, SC

$2,210

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$259

📦Other

↑ 6.2%

Florence, SC

$1,608

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$99.60

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.8%

Florence, SC

$1,203

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$81.33

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.2%

Florence, SC

$519

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.19

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.0%

Florence, SC

$960

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$0.25

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 0.0%

Florence, SC

$601

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$0.16

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,111

To$1,570

↑ $459

1 Bed

From$1,121

To$1,640

↑ $519

2 Bed

From$1,316

To$1,800

↑ $484

3 Bed

From$1,686

To$2,255

↑ $569

Florence, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,180/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.

$7,101

Monthly in Florence, SC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$466

Difference

Home Values

Florence

Raleigh

$231K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$227K - $234K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 122% more expensive than Florence

Calculate payment - Florence Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$236

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Florence, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

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

Florence, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.