Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Lathrop, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 11.7% cheaper than Lathrop, CA. This translates to saving $879 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lathrop, CA, you'd need approximately $139,454.952 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 18.2% cheaper than in Lathrop, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,917/month in Lathrop, CA.

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

Moving from Lathrop, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $879 per month, or $10545 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lathrop, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lathrop, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Stockton, CA area

Current salary in Lathrop, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $879/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.5K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$879

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.5K

Per year

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

Lathrop, CA

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$637K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$512K

Lathrop, CA

The Golden State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 40K 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: Lathrop, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Lathrop, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,017/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $548less	18.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,410/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $125less	8.9%
🏥Healthcare	$491/mo	$601/mo	↑ $110more	22.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,065/mo	$959/mo	↓ $105less	9.9%
⚡All Utilities	$518/mo	$546/mo	↑ $28.34more	5.5%
📦Other	$1,679/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $28.13more	1.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.2%

Lathrop, CA

$3,017

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$548

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.9%

Lathrop, CA

$1,410

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$125

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 22.5%

Lathrop, CA

$491

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$110

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.9%

Lathrop, CA

$1,065

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.5%

Lathrop, CA

$518

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$28.34

📦Other

↑ 1.7%

Lathrop, CA

$1,679

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$28.13

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,413

To$1,570

↑ $157

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$1,640

↑ $105

2 Bed

From$1,917

To$1,800

↓ $117

3 Bed

From$2,664

To$2,255

↓ $409

Lathrop, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/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.

$8,179

Monthly in Lathrop, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$612

Difference

Home Values

Lathrop

Raleigh

$637K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -4.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +25.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$637K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 20% less expensive than Lathrop

Calculate payment - Lathrop 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

Lathrop, 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

Lathrop, 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.