Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Maricopa, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.7% cheaper than Maricopa, AZ. This translates to saving $428 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Maricopa, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Maricopa, AZ, you'd need approximately $144,859.712 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Maricopa, AZ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 1.1% cheaper than in Maricopa, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,279/month in Maricopa, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Maricopa, AZ to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Maricopa, AZ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $428 per month, or $5140 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Maricopa, AZ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Maricopa, AZ — COL adjusted from Chandler, AZ area + state data

Current salary in Maricopa, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $428/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$428

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.1K

Per year

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

Maricopa, AZ

Population:71K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$472K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Maricopa, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

71K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 71K 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: Maricopa, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Maricopa, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,445/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $161less	11.1%
🏠Housing	$2,497/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $28.12less	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$580/mo	$601/mo	↑ $21.13more	3.6%
📦Other	$1,722/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $14.66less	0.9%
🛒Groceries	$945/mo	$959/mo	↑ $14.24more	1.5%
⚡All Utilities	$538/mo	$546/mo	↑ $8.11more	1.5%

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.1%

Maricopa, AZ

$1,445

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$161

less

🏠Housing

↓ 1.1%

Maricopa, AZ

$2,497

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$28.12

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.6%

Maricopa, AZ

$580

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$21.13

📦Other

↓ 0.9%

Maricopa, AZ

$1,722

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$14.66

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.5%

Maricopa, AZ

$945

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$14.24

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.5%

Maricopa, AZ

$538

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$8.11

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$866

To$1,570

↑ $704

1 Bed

From$1,031

To$1,640

↑ $609

2 Bed

From$1,279

To$1,800

↑ $521

3 Bed

From$1,815

To$2,255

↑ $440

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.

$7,727

Monthly in Maricopa, AZ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$160

Difference

Home Values

Maricopa

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$158

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Maricopa, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Maricopa, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.