Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Goleta, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 27.4% cheaper than Goleta, CA. This translates to saving $2058 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Goleta, CA, you'd need approximately $125,304.518 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 43.5% cheaper than in Goleta, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,685/month in Goleta, CA.

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

Moving from Goleta, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2058 per month, or $24695 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Goleta, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Goleta, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.3K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 27.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,058

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.7K

Per year

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

Goleta, CA

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.34M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$512K

Goleta, CA

The Golden State

33K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 33K 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: Goleta, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Goleta, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,369/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,900less	43.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,976/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $692less	35.0%
📦Other	$1,809/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $101less	5.6%
🏥Healthcare	$528/mo	$601/mo	↑ $73.34more	13.9%
🛒Groceries	$994/mo	$959/mo	↓ $35.13less	3.5%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$546/mo	↑ $13.10more	2.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 43.5%

Goleta, CA

$4,369

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,900

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.0%

Goleta, CA

$1,976

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$692

less

📦Other

↓ 5.6%

Goleta, CA

$1,809

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$101

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 13.9%

Goleta, CA

$528

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$73.34

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.5%

Goleta, CA

$994

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$35.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.5%

Goleta, CA

$533

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$13.10

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,117

To$1,570

↓ $547

1 Bed

From$2,358

To$1,640

↓ $718

2 Bed

From$2,685

To$1,800

↓ $885

3 Bed

From$3,502

To$2,255

↓ $1,247

Goleta, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,030–$3,030/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.

$10,209

Monthly in Goleta, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,642

Difference

Home Values

Goleta

Raleigh

$1.34M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +43.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.34M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 62% less expensive than Goleta

Calculate payment - Goleta 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

Goleta, 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

Goleta, 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.