Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.5% more expensive than Houston, TX. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $150,466.321 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 12.7% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Houston, TX and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $38.86/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$38.86

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$466

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Houston, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $278more	12.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $165less	11.4%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $60.26less	3.4%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$959/mo	↑ $47.96more	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$601/mo	↑ $39.03more	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$546/mo	↓ $6.01less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.7%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$278

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.4%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$165

less

📦Other

↓ 3.4%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$60.26

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Houston, TX

$911

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$47.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.9%

Houston, TX

$562

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$39.03

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.1%

Houston, TX

$552

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$6.01

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,570

↑ $350

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,640

↑ $380

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,800

↑ $300

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,255

↑ $235

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$134

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Raleigh

$245K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 108% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.