Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Kalamazoo, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.7% more expensive than Kalamazoo, MI. This translates to spending an extra $356 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Kalamazoo, MI, you'd need approximately $154,267.583 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Kalamazoo, MI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 21.6% more expensive than in Kalamazoo, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,255/month in Kalamazoo, MI.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $356 more per month than Kalamazoo, MI, or $4268 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Kalamazoo, MI vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Kalamazoo, MI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fort Wayne, IN area

Current salary in Kalamazoo, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $356/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.3K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$356

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.3K

Per year

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

Kalamazoo, MI

Population:73K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$234K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Kalamazoo, MI

The Great Lakes State

73K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, 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: Kalamazoo, MI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Kalamazoo, MI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,030/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $439more	21.6%
📦Other	$1,662/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $45.14more	2.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,326/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $41.96less	3.2%
⚡All Utilities	$531/mo	$546/mo	↑ $15.41more	2.9%
🏥Healthcare	$615/mo	$601/mo	↓ $14.20less	2.3%
🛒Groceries	$971/mo	$959/mo	↓ $11.79less	1.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 21.6%

Kalamazoo, MI

$2,030

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$439

📦Other

↑ 2.7%

Kalamazoo, MI

$1,662

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$45.14

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.2%

Kalamazoo, MI

$1,326

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$41.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.9%

Kalamazoo, MI

$531

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$15.41

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.3%

Kalamazoo, MI

$615

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$14.20

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.2%

Kalamazoo, MI

$971

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$11.79

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$904

To$1,570

↑ $666

1 Bed

From$1,077

To$1,640

↑ $563

2 Bed

From$1,255

To$1,800

↑ $545

3 Bed

From$1,651

To$2,255

↑ $604

Kalamazoo, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,060/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.

$7,135

Monthly in Kalamazoo, MI

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$432

Difference

Home Values

Kalamazoo

Raleigh

$234K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +4.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +38.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$116K - $357K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 119% more expensive than Kalamazoo

Calculate payment - Kalamazoo Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $750

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$62.50

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Kalamazoo, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

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

Kalamazoo, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.