Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Fremont, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 51.7% cheaper than Fremont, CA. This translates to saving $3881 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fremont, CA, you'd need approximately $103,432.836 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 74.5% cheaper than in Fremont, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,810/month in Fremont, CA.

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

Moving from Fremont, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3881 per month, or $46567 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Fremont, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.9K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $103.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 51.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,881

Savings

Annual Impact

$46.6K

Per year

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

Fremont, CA

Population:231K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.44M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:48

Median Home:$512K

Fremont, CA

The Golden State

231K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 231K 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: Fremont, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Fremont, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $7,198less	74.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$959/mo	↓ $170less	15.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $117less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$601/mo	↓ $105less	14.9%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$546/mo	↑ $81.96more	17.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.5%

Fremont, CA

$9,667

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$7,198

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.0%

Fremont, CA

$1,129

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$170

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Fremont, CA

$1,407

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Fremont, CA

$1,825

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$117

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

Fremont, CA

$706

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.6%

Fremont, CA

$464

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$81.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,805

To$1,570

↓ $1,235

1 Bed

From$3,120

To$1,640

↓ $1,480

2 Bed

From$3,810

To$1,800

↓ $2,010

3 Bed

From$4,875

To$2,255

↓ $2,620

Fremont, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,940–$3,320/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.

$15,199

Monthly in Fremont, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7,632

Difference

Home Values

Fremont

Raleigh

$1.44M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +35%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.30M - $2.17M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 64% less expensive than Fremont

Calculate payment - Fremont 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

Fremont, 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

Fremont, 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.