Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Los Altos, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 41.0% cheaper than Los Altos, CA. This translates to saving $3074 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Altos, CA, you'd need approximately $113,107.693 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 62.4% cheaper than in Los Altos, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,465/month in Los Altos, CA.

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

Moving from Los Altos, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3074 per month, or $36892 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Los Altos, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Los Altos, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Los Altos, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 41.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,074

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.9K

Per year

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

Los Altos, CA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$4.69M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:59

Median Home:$512K

Los Altos, 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: Los Altos, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Los Altos, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,572/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $4,103less	62.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$959/mo	↓ $145less	13.1%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$546/mo	↑ $92.36more	20.3%
🏥Healthcare	$690/mo	$601/mo	↓ $89.51less	13.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,345/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $60.63less	4.5%
📦Other	$1,744/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $36.38less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 62.4%

Los Altos, CA

$6,572

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$4,103

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.1%

Los Altos, CA

$1,104

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$145

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.3%

Los Altos, CA

$454

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$92.36

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.0%

Los Altos, CA

$690

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$89.51

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.5%

Los Altos, CA

$1,345

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$60.63

less

📦Other

↓ 2.1%

Los Altos, CA

$1,744

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$36.38

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,608

To$1,570

↓ $1,038

1 Bed

From$2,945

To$1,640

↓ $1,305

2 Bed

From$3,465

To$1,800

↓ $1,665

3 Bed

From$4,565

To$2,255

↓ $2,310

Los Altos, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,540–$3,710/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.

$11,909

Monthly in Los Altos, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,342

Difference

Home Values

Los Altos

Raleigh

$4.69M

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +35.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$4.48M - $4.90M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 89% less expensive than Los Altos

Calculate payment - Los Altos 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

Los Altos, 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

Los Altos, 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.