Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Fuquay-Varina, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.5% more expensive than Fuquay-Varina, NC. This translates to spending an extra $409 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Fuquay-Varina, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fuquay-Varina, NC, you'd need approximately $154,907.671 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fuquay-Varina, NC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.2% more expensive than in Fuquay-Varina, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,475/month in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fuquay-Varina, NC to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $409 more per month than Fuquay-Varina, NC, or $4908 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fuquay-Varina, NC vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fuquay-Varina, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $409/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$409

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.9K

Per year

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

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Population:44K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$436K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Fuquay-Varina, NC

The Tar Heel State

44K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 44K 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: Fuquay-Varina, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Fuquay-Varina, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,107/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $362more	17.2%
📦Other	$1,619/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $88.29more	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,218/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $66.40more	5.5%
🛒Groceries	$934/mo	$959/mo	↑ $25.13more	2.7%
🏥Healthcare	$585/mo	$601/mo	↑ $15.74more	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$532/mo	$546/mo	↑ $14.32more	2.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 17.2%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$2,107

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$362

📦Other

↑ 5.5%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$1,619

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$88.29

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.5%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$1,218

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$66.40

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.7%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$934

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$25.13

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.7%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$585

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$15.74

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.7%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$532

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$14.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,274

To$1,570

↑ $296

1 Bed

From$1,330

To$1,640

↑ $310

2 Bed

From$1,475

To$1,800

↑ $325

3 Bed

From$1,878

To$2,255

↑ $377

Fuquay-Varina, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,650/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.

$6,995

Monthly in Fuquay-Varina, NC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$572

Difference

Home Values

Fuquay-Varina

Raleigh

$436K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$436K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 17% more expensive than Fuquay-Varina

Calculate payment - Fuquay-Varina Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Fuquay-Varina, 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

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

Fuquay-Varina, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.