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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
30.2%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,267
Savings
Annual Impact
$27.2K
Per year

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

Linton Hall, VA

Population:42K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$556K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:
70
(30% below avg)
Median Home:$512K

Linton Hall, VA

The Old Dominion State

42K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 42K 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: Linton Hall, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Housing
51.7%
Linton Hall, VA
$5,112
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$2,643
less
Transportation
25.5%
Linton Hall, VA
$1,724
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$440
less
Groceries
7.1%
Linton Hall, VA
$1,032
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$72.77
less
All Utilities
12.4%
Linton Hall, VA
$486
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$60.45
more
Other
2.3%
Linton Hall, VA
$1,669
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$38.74
more
Healthcare
0.6%
Linton Hall, VA
$604
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$3.38
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,477
To$1,570
$93.00
1 Bed
From$1,710
To$1,640
$70.00
2 Bed
From$2,177
To$1,800
$377
3 Bed
From$3,032
To$2,255
$777
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.

$10,627
Monthly in Linton Hall, VA
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$3,060
Difference

Home Values

Linton Hall
Raleigh
-
Median Value
$512K
-
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
-
Price Range
$314K - $992K

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.2K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$104
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.8%
Rate difference

Linton Hall, VA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Virginia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,718/month
$104.6K

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

Linton Hall, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%
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.

Environment

Linton Hall
Raleigh
45 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
63.7%
Good Air Days
61.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌀🌡
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
27 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
27 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

What to Consider When Moving from Linton Hall, VA to Raleigh, NC

Relocating from Linton Hall, VA to Raleigh, NC involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 30% lower in Raleigh, NC, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Raleigh, NC is 52% cheaper than in Linton Hall, VA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Raleigh, NC pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Raleigh, NC to match your current standard of living in Linton Hall, VA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Raleigh, NC for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Linton Hall, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Linton Hall, VA?

Yes, Raleigh, NC is about 30.2% cheaper than Linton Hall, VA. You could save approximately $2,267/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 52% lower in Raleigh, NC.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to match my lifestyle in Linton Hall, VA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Linton Hall, VA, you would need approximately $122,800 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Linton Hall, VA and Raleigh, NC?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,177/month in Linton Hall, VA compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC. One-bedroom apartments are $1,710/month in Linton Hall, VA vs $1,640/month in Raleigh, NC. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Linton Hall, VA or Raleigh, NC?

Groceries are about 7% cheaper in Raleigh, NC than in Linton Hall, VA, saving a typical household roughly $72.77/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Linton Hall, VA to Raleigh, NC?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Virginia and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

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