Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Highland, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 7.4% cheaper than Highland, CA. This translates to saving $557 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Highland, CA, you'd need approximately $143,319.584 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 5.4% cheaper than in Highland, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,484/month in Highland, CA.

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

Moving from Highland, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $557 per month, or $6680 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Highland, CA — COL adjusted from San Bernardino, CA area + state data

Current salary in Highland, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $557/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$557

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.7K

Per year

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

Highland, CA

Population:56K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$448K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$512K

Highland, CA

The Golden State

56K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 56K 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: Highland, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Highland, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,094/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $810less	38.7%
🏠Housing	$2,609/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $141less	5.4%
📦Other	$1,592/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $116more	7.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,024/mo	$959/mo	↓ $64.32less	6.3%
🏥Healthcare	$543/mo	$601/mo	↑ $57.86more	10.7%
⚡All Utilities	$549/mo	$546/mo	↓ $2.55less	0.5%

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.7%

Highland, CA

$2,094

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$810

less

🏠Housing

↓ 5.4%

Highland, CA

$2,609

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$141

less

📦Other

↑ 7.3%

Highland, CA

$1,592

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$116

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.3%

Highland, CA

$1,024

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$64.32

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.7%

Highland, CA

$543

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$57.86

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.5%

Highland, CA

$549

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$2.55

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$990

To$1,570

↑ $580

1 Bed

From$1,154

To$1,640

↑ $486

2 Bed

From$1,484

To$1,800

↑ $316

3 Bed

From$2,062

To$2,255

↑ $193

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.

$8,411

Monthly in Highland, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$844

Difference

Home Values

Highland

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

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

Highland, 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

Highland, 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.