Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Manhattan Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 37.6% cheaper than Manhattan Beach, CA. This translates to saving $2818 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Manhattan Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $116,183.245 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 60.5% cheaper than in Manhattan Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,972/month in Manhattan Beach, CA.

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

Moving from Manhattan Beach, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2818 per month, or $33817 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Manhattan Beach, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Manhattan Beach, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Manhattan Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,818

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.8K

Per year

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

Manhattan Beach, CA

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$3.07M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:62

Median Home:$512K

Manhattan Beach, CA

The Golden State

33K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, 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: Manhattan Beach, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Manhattan Beach, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,253/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,785less	60.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,935/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $651less	33.6%
📦Other	$1,552/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $156more	10.0%
🏥Healthcare	$524/mo	$601/mo	↑ $76.50more	14.6%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$959/mo	↓ $25.70less	2.6%
⚡All Utilities	$528/mo	$546/mo	↑ $18.67more	3.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 60.5%

Manhattan Beach, CA

$6,253

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,785

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 33.6%

Manhattan Beach, CA

$1,935

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$651

less

📦Other

↑ 10.0%

Manhattan Beach, CA

$1,552

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$156

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.6%

Manhattan Beach, CA

$524

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$76.50

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.6%

Manhattan Beach, CA

$985

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$25.70

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.5%

Manhattan Beach, CA

$528

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$18.67

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,126

To$1,570

↓ $556

1 Bed

From$2,385

To$1,640

↓ $745

2 Bed

From$2,972

To$1,800

↓ $1,172

3 Bed

From$3,765

To$2,255

↓ $1,510

Manhattan Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,130–$3,130/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.

$11,778

Monthly in Manhattan Beach, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,211

Difference

Home Values

Manhattan Beach

Raleigh

$3.07M

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +26%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$3.07M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 83% less expensive than Manhattan Beach

Calculate payment - Manhattan Beach 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

Manhattan Beach, 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

Manhattan Beach, 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.