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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Matthews, NC โ€” COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area + state data

$

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You'd spend $587/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 7.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$587
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.0K
Per year

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

Matthews, NC

Population:31K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$399K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:108
Median Home:$512K

Matthews, NC

The Tar Heel State

31K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 31K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขResearch Triangle
  • โ€ขState capital
  • โ€ขMajor university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Matthews, NC vs Raleigh, NC

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 19.8%
Matthews, NC
$2,061
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$408
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 15.2%
Matthews, NC
$1,115
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$169
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 7.8%
Matthews, NC
$1,584
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$124
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 9.3%
Matthews, NC
$500
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$46.51
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†“ 2.2%
Matthews, NC
$615
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$13.58
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 0.7%
Matthews, NC
$953
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$6.59
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$749
To$1,570
โ†‘ $821
1 Bed
From$867
To$1,640
โ†‘ $773
2 Bed
From$1,064
To$1,800
โ†‘ $736
3 Bed
From$1,419
To$2,255
โ†‘ $836
Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400โ€“$1,880/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,826
Monthly in Matthews, NC
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$741
Difference

Home Values

Matthews
Raleigh
-
Median Value
$512K
-
YoY Change
โ†“ -0.5%
-
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +38.2%
-
Price Range
$314K - $992K

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Matthews, 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

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

Matthews, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

๐Ÿ’ก 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

Matthews
Raleigh
51 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
46.2%
Good Air Days
61.7%
97 High
Climate Risk
96 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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