Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Laguna Hills, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 43.6% cheaper than Laguna Hills, CA. This translates to saving $3267 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Laguna Hills, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Laguna Hills, CA, you'd need approximately $110,790.516 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Laguna Hills, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 61.7% cheaper than in Laguna Hills, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,882/month in Laguna Hills, CA.

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

Moving from Laguna Hills, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3267 per month, or $39209 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Laguna Hills, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Laguna Hills, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Irvine, CA area

Current salary in Laguna Hills, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 43.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,267

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.2K

Per year

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

Laguna Hills, CA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.23M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$512K

Laguna Hills, CA

The Golden State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 30K 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: Laguna Hills, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Laguna Hills, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,441/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,972less	61.7%
🚗Transportation	$2,050/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $766less	37.4%
📦Other	$1,637/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $70.11more	4.3%
🏥Healthcare	$537/mo	$601/mo	↑ $63.63more	11.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,013/mo	$959/mo	↓ $53.43less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$543/mo	$546/mo	↑ $3.29more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.7%

Laguna Hills, CA

$6,441

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,972

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 37.4%

Laguna Hills, CA

$2,050

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$766

less

📦Other

↑ 4.3%

Laguna Hills, CA

$1,637

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$70.11

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.8%

Laguna Hills, CA

$537

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$63.63

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.3%

Laguna Hills, CA

$1,013

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$53.43

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.6%

Laguna Hills, CA

$543

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$3.29

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,389

To$1,570

↓ $819

1 Bed

From$2,446

To$1,640

↓ $806

2 Bed

From$2,882

To$1,800

↓ $1,082

3 Bed

From$3,915

To$2,255

↓ $1,660

Laguna Hills, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,030–$3,030/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.

$12,221

Monthly in Laguna Hills, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,654

Difference

Home Values

Laguna Hills

Raleigh

$1.23M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +50.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.23M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 58% less expensive than Laguna Hills

Calculate payment - Laguna Hills 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

Laguna Hills, 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

Laguna Hills, 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.