Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Hickory, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.6% more expensive than Hickory, NC. This translates to spending an extra $491 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Hickory, NC, you'd need approximately $155,896.125 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Hickory, NC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 18.4% more expensive than in Hickory, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $957/month in Hickory, NC.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $491 more per month than Hickory, NC, or $5896 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hickory, NC vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Hickory, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area

Current salary in Hickory, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $491/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$491

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.9K

Per year

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

Hickory, NC

Population:44K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$270K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$512K

Hickory, 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: Hickory, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Hickory, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,085/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $383more	18.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,128/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $156more	13.8%
📦Other	$1,603/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $105more	6.6%
⚡All Utilities	$503/mo	$546/mo	↑ $43.53more	8.7%
🏥Healthcare	$618/mo	$601/mo	↓ $17.24less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$958/mo	$959/mo	↑ $0.92more	0.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 18.4%

Hickory, NC

$2,085

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$383

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Hickory, NC

$1,128

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$156

📦Other

↑ 6.6%

Hickory, NC

$1,603

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$105

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.7%

Hickory, NC

$503

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$43.53

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.8%

Hickory, NC

$618

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$17.24

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Hickory, NC

$958

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$0.92

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$750

To$1,570

↑ $820

1 Bed

From$790

To$1,640

↑ $850

2 Bed

From$957

To$1,800

↑ $843

3 Bed

From$1,201

To$2,255

↑ $1,054

Hickory, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,040/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.

$6,895

Monthly in Hickory, NC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$672

Difference

Home Values

Hickory

Raleigh

$270K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$244K - $296K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 89% more expensive than Hickory

Calculate payment - Hickory 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

Hickory, 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

Hickory, 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.