Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Harrisburg, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.4% more expensive than Harrisburg, PA. This translates to spending an extra $182 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Harrisburg, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Harrisburg, PA, you'd need approximately $152,185.561 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Harrisburg, PA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 1.5% cheaper than in Harrisburg, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,063/month in Harrisburg, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Harrisburg, PA to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $182 more per month than Harrisburg, PA, or $2186 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Harrisburg, PA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Harrisburg, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area

Current salary in Harrisburg, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $182/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.2K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$182

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

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

Harrisburg, PA

Population:50K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$214K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$512K

Harrisburg, PA

The Keystone State

50K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 50K 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: Harrisburg, PA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Harrisburg, PA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,525/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $182more	11.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $70.21less	6.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,233/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $51.45more	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$556/mo	$601/mo	↑ $44.65more	8.0%
🏠Housing	$2,507/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $38.65less	1.5%
⚡All Utilities	$573/mo	$546/mo	↓ $26.87less	4.7%

📦Other

↑ 11.9%

Harrisburg, PA

$1,525

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$182

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Harrisburg, PA

$1,029

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$70.21

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.2%

Harrisburg, PA

$1,233

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$51.45

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Harrisburg, PA

$556

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$44.65

🏠Housing

↓ 1.5%

Harrisburg, PA

$2,507

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$38.65

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.7%

Harrisburg, PA

$573

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$26.87

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Harrisburg, PA: Harrisburg Earned Income Tax$4,350/yr (2.9%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$752

To$1,570

↑ $818

1 Bed

From$866

To$1,640

↑ $774

2 Bed

From$1,063

To$1,800

↑ $737

3 Bed

From$1,367

To$2,255

↑ $888

Harrisburg, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,420/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.

$7,425

Monthly in Harrisburg, PA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$142

Difference

Home Values

Harrisburg

Raleigh

$214K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +38.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$126K - $348K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 139% more expensive than Harrisburg

Calculate payment - Harrisburg Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$210

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

Harrisburg, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Harrisburg, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.