Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Huntington Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 37.0% cheaper than Huntington Beach, CA. This translates to saving $2776 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Huntington Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $116,688.312 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 58.9% cheaper than in Huntington Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,340/month in Huntington Beach, CA.

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

Moving from Huntington Beach, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2776 per month, or $33312 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntington Beach, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Huntington Beach, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area

Current salary in Huntington Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,776

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.3K

Per year

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

Huntington Beach, CA

Population:192K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.32M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$512K

Huntington Beach, CA

The Golden State

192K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 192K 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: Huntington Beach, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Huntington Beach, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,003/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,534less	58.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$959/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.9%

Huntington Beach, CA

$6,003

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,534

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

Huntington Beach, CA

$2,158

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,039

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Huntington Beach, CA

$551

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,724

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$16.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Huntington Beach, CA

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,770

To$1,570

↓ $1,200

1 Bed

From$2,830

To$1,640

↓ $1,190

2 Bed

From$3,340

To$1,800

↓ $1,540

3 Bed

From$4,530

To$2,255

↓ $2,275

Huntington Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,730–$2,920/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.

$12,034

Monthly in Huntington Beach, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,467

Difference

Home Values

Huntington Beach

Raleigh

$1.32M

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.20M - $1.49M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 61% less expensive than Huntington Beach

Calculate payment - Huntington Beach 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

Huntington Beach, 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

Huntington Beach, 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.