Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Hampton, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.0% cheaper than Hampton, VA. This translates to saving $225 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Hampton, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Hampton, VA, you'd need approximately $147,300 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Hampton, VA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 3.1% cheaper than in Hampton, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,580/month in Hampton, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Hampton, VA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Hampton, VA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $225 per month, or $2700 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hampton, VA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Hampton, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Norfolk, VA area

Current salary in Hampton, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $225/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$225

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.7K

Per year

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

Hampton, VA

Population:137K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$278K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$512K

Hampton, VA

The Old Dominion State

137K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 137K 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: Hampton, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Hampton, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,547/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $77.96less	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$546/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,707/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 3.1%

Hampton, VA

$2,547

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$77.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Hampton, VA

$632

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Hampton, VA

$574

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Hampton, VA

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Hampton, VA

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Hampton, VA

$1,707

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,380

To$1,570

↑ $190

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,640

↑ $250

2 Bed

From$1,580

To$1,800

↑ $220

3 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,255

↑ $65.00

Hampton, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$2,030/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.

$7,703

Monthly in Hampton, VA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$136

Difference

Home Values

Hampton

Raleigh

$278K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +38.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$229K - $300K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 84% more expensive than Hampton

Calculate payment - Hampton Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

Hampton, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Hampton, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.