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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Marion, IA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Des Moines, IA area

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $873/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 11.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$873
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$10.5K
Per year

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

Marion, IA

Population:42K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$263K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:112
Median Home:$512K

Marion, IA

The Hawkeye State

42K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 42K 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: Marion, IA vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 36.7%
Marion, IA
$1,806
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$662
more
📦Other
↑ 10.1%
Marion, IA
$1,551
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$156
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 18.3%
Marion, IA
$462
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$84.69
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 7.0%
Marion, IA
$1,200
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$83.96
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 10.3%
Marion, IA
$670
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$68.66
less
🛒Groceries
↑ 7.4%
Marion, IA
$893
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$65.82
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$591
To$1,570
↑ $979
1 Bed
From$648
To$1,640
↑ $992
2 Bed
From$853
To$1,800
↑ $947
3 Bed
From$1,190
To$2,255
↑ $1,065
Marion, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$790/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.

$6,583
Monthly in Marion, IA
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$984
Difference

Home Values

Marion
Raleigh
$263K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +2.6%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +29.1%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$263K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 95% more expensive than Marion

Calculate payment - MarionCalculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $3.6K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$298
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.4%
Rate difference

Marion, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

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

Marion, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

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.

Environment

Marion
Raleigh
45 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
67.5%
Good Air Days
61.7%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
96 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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