Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Fountain Valley, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 34.6% cheaper than Fountain Valley, CA. This translates to saving $2593 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fountain Valley, CA, you'd need approximately $118,889.719 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 52.5% cheaper than in Fountain Valley, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,815/month in Fountain Valley, CA.

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

Moving from Fountain Valley, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2593 per month, or $31110 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fountain Valley, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fountain Valley, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area

Current salary in Fountain Valley, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,593

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.1K

Per year

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

Fountain Valley, CA

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.33M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$512K

Fountain Valley, CA

The Golden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 55K 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: Fountain Valley, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Fountain Valley, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,201/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,732less	52.5%
🚗Transportation	$2,078/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $794less	38.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,020/mo	$959/mo	↓ $60.33less	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$541/mo	$601/mo	↑ $59.97more	11.1%
📦Other	$1,660/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $47.71more	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$547/mo	$546/mo	↓ $0.41less	0.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.5%

Fountain Valley, CA

$5,201

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,732

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.2%

Fountain Valley, CA

$2,078

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$794

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Fountain Valley, CA

$1,020

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$60.33

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.1%

Fountain Valley, CA

$541

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$59.97

📦Other

↑ 2.9%

Fountain Valley, CA

$1,660

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$47.71

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.1%

Fountain Valley, CA

$547

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$0.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,332

To$1,570

↓ $762

1 Bed

From$2,389

To$1,640

↓ $749

2 Bed

From$2,815

To$1,800

↓ $1,015

3 Bed

From$3,821

To$2,255

↓ $1,566

Fountain Valley, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,920–$2,920/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.

$11,046

Monthly in Fountain Valley, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,479

Difference

Home Values

Fountain Valley

Raleigh

$1.33M

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +55%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.33M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 62% less expensive than Fountain Valley

Calculate payment - Fountain Valley 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

Fountain Valley, 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

Fountain Valley, 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.