Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Los Banos, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.4% cheaper than Los Banos, CA. This translates to saving $483 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Banos, CA, you'd need approximately $144,205.077 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 6.7% cheaper than in Los Banos, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,423/month in Los Banos, CA.

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

Moving from Los Banos, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $483 per month, or $5795 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Los Banos, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Modesto, CA area

Current salary in Los Banos, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $483/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.2K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$483

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Los Banos, CA

Population:49K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$455K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Los Banos, CA

The Golden State

49K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 49K 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 Banos, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Los Banos, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,647/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $178less	6.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,403/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $119less	8.5%
🏥Healthcare	$489/mo	$601/mo	↑ $112more	22.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,062/mo	$959/mo	↓ $103less	9.7%
📦Other	$1,640/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $67.49more	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$517/mo	$546/mo	↑ $29.50more	5.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 6.7%

Los Banos, CA

$2,647

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$178

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.5%

Los Banos, CA

$1,403

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$119

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 22.8%

Los Banos, CA

$489

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$112

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.7%

Los Banos, CA

$1,062

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$103

less

📦Other

↑ 4.1%

Los Banos, CA

$1,640

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$67.49

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

Los Banos, CA

$517

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$29.50

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,059

To$1,570

↑ $511

1 Bed

From$1,148

To$1,640

↑ $492

2 Bed

From$1,423

To$1,800

↑ $377

3 Bed

From$1,957

To$2,255

↑ $298

Los Banos, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,420–$1,420/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.

$7,759

Monthly in Los Banos, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$192

Difference

Home Values

Los Banos

Raleigh

$455K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +22.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$455K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 12% more expensive than Los Banos

Calculate payment - Los Banos 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 Banos, 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 Banos, 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.