MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Kernersville, NC โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Winston-Salem, NC area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 14.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,082
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.0K
Per year

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

Kernersville, NC

Population:28K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$316K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$512K

Kernersville, NC

The Tar Heel State

28K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 28K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขResearch Triangle
  • โ€ขState capital
  • โ€ขMajor university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Kernersville, NC vs Raleigh, NC

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 35.1%
Kernersville, NC
$1,827
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$642
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 13.9%
Kernersville, NC
$1,499
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$209
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 12.1%
Kernersville, NC
$1,145
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$139
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 7.9%
Kernersville, NC
$507
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$39.80
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 2.5%
Kernersville, NC
$936
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$23.05
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 2.5%
Kernersville, NC
$587
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$14.44
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$891
To$1,570
โ†‘ $679
1 Bed
From$963
To$1,640
โ†‘ $677
2 Bed
From$1,093
To$1,800
โ†‘ $707
3 Bed
From$1,425
To$2,255
โ†‘ $830
Kernersville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,190โ€“$1,190/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400โ€“$1,880/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,500
Monthly in Kernersville, NC
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$1,067
Difference

Home Values

Kernersville
Raleigh
$316K
Median Value
$512K
โ†‘ +1.7%
YoY Change
โ†“ -0.5%
โ†‘ +38%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +38.2%
$316K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 62% more expensive than Kernersville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Kernersville, 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

Kernersville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

Kernersville
Raleigh
47 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
57.4%
Good Air Days
61.7%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
96 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
30 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
30 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison