Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Jacksonville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.7% more expensive than Jacksonville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $206 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Jacksonville, NC, you'd need approximately $152,469.922 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 8.9% more expensive than in Jacksonville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,170/month in Jacksonville, NC.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $206 more per month than Jacksonville, NC, or $2470 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Jacksonville, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Jacksonville, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $206/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.5K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$206

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Jacksonville, NC

Population:73K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$257K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Jacksonville, NC

The Tar Heel State

73K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 73K 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: Jacksonville, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Jacksonville, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,267/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $202more	8.9%
📦Other	$1,649/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $58.36more	3.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $50.48more	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$526/mo	$546/mo	↑ $20.57more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$972/mo	$959/mo	↓ $12.48less	1.3%
🏥Healthcare	$609/mo	$601/mo	↓ $7.82less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.9%

Jacksonville, NC

$2,267

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$202

📦Other

↑ 3.5%

Jacksonville, NC

$1,649

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$58.36

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.1%

Jacksonville, NC

$1,234

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$50.48

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.9%

Jacksonville, NC

$526

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$20.57

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.3%

Jacksonville, NC

$972

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$12.48

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.3%

Jacksonville, NC

$609

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$7.82

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$924

To$1,570

↑ $646

1 Bed

From$934

To$1,640

↑ $706

2 Bed

From$1,170

To$1,800

↑ $630

3 Bed

From$1,632

To$2,255

↑ $623

Jacksonville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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.

$7,256

Monthly in Jacksonville, NC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$311

Difference

Home Values

Jacksonville

Raleigh

$257K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +51.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$252K - $261K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 99% 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

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Jacksonville, 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

Jacksonville, 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.