Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Long Branch, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 34.2% cheaper than Long Branch, NJ. This translates to saving $2565 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Long Branch, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Long Branch, NJ, you'd need approximately $119,215.664 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Long Branch, NJ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 59.1% cheaper than in Long Branch, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,760/month in Long Branch, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Long Branch, NJ to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Long Branch, NJ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2565 per month, or $30784 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Long Branch, NJ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Long Branch, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from New York, NY area

Current salary in Long Branch, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,565

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.8K

Per year

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

Long Branch, NJ

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$775K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$512K

Long Branch, NJ

The Garden State

33K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 33K 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: Long Branch, NJ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Long Branch, NJ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,040/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,572less	59.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,091/mo	$959/mo	↓ $132less	12.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,406/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $122less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,785/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $77.36less	4.3%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$601/mo	↓ $43.26less	6.7%
⚡All Utilities	$562/mo	$546/mo	↓ $15.61less	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.1%

Long Branch, NJ

$6,040

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,572

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.1%

Long Branch, NJ

$1,091

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$132

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Long Branch, NJ

$1,406

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$122

less

📦Other

↓ 4.3%

Long Branch, NJ

$1,785

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$77.36

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.7%

Long Branch, NJ

$644

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$43.26

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.8%

Long Branch, NJ

$562

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$15.61

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,268

To$1,570

↑ $302

1 Bed

From$1,425

To$1,640

↑ $215

2 Bed

From$1,760

To$1,800

↑ $40.00

3 Bed

From$2,305

To$2,255

↓ $50.00

Long Branch, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,910–$1,910/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.

$11,529

Monthly in Long Branch, NJ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,962

Difference

Home Values

Long Branch

Raleigh

$775K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +47.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$775K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 34% less expensive than Long Branch

Calculate payment - Long Branch Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $306

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Long Branch, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Long Branch, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.