Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Jacksonville, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.2% more expensive than Jacksonville, FL. This translates to spending an extra $239 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Jacksonville, FL, you'd need approximately $152,872.34 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jacksonville, FL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.8% more expensive than in Jacksonville, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,530/month in Jacksonville, FL.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $239 more per month than Jacksonville, FL, or $2872 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jacksonville, FL vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Jacksonville, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $239/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$239

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.9K

Per year

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

Jacksonville, FL

Population:950K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$289K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Jacksonville, FL

The Sunshine State

950K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 950K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

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: Jacksonville, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Jacksonville, FL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $260more	11.8%
📦Other	$1,624/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $83.70more	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$959/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.4%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$546/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.8%

Jacksonville, FL

$2,209

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$260

📦Other

↑ 5.2%

Jacksonville, FL

$1,624

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$83.70

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Jacksonville, FL

$1,019

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$59.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

Jacksonville, FL

$570

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Jacksonville, FL

$574

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

less

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Jacksonville, FL

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,250

To$1,570

↑ $320

1 Bed

From$1,270

To$1,640

↑ $370

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,800

↑ $270

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$2,255

↑ $365

Jacksonville, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$2,070/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Jacksonville, FL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$287

Difference

Home Values

Jacksonville

Raleigh

$289K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +31.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$102K - $535K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 77% more expensive than Jacksonville

Calculate payment - Jacksonville 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

Jacksonville, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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

Jacksonville, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.