Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than McDonough, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.5% cheaper than McDonough, GA. This translates to saving $184 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in McDonough, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in McDonough, GA, you'd need approximately $147,793.314 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between McDonough, GA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.4% more expensive than in McDonough, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,196/month in McDonough, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from McDonough, GA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from McDonough, GA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $184 per month, or $2207 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McDonough, GA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 McDonough, GA — COL adjusted from Atlanta, GA area + state data

Current salary in McDonough, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $184/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$184

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

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

McDonough, GA

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$512K

McDonough, GA

The Peach State

32K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 32K 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: McDonough, GA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	McDonough, GA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,216/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $253more	11.4%
📦Other	$1,806/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $98.45less	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,358/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $74.28less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.90more	5.4%
🛒Groceries	$929/mo	$959/mo	↑ $30.17more	3.2%
⚡All Utilities	$566/mo	$546/mo	↓ $19.86less	3.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.4%

McDonough, GA

$2,216

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$253

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

McDonough, GA

$1,806

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$98.45

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.5%

McDonough, GA

$1,358

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$74.28

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

McDonough, GA

$570

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.90

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.2%

McDonough, GA

$929

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$30.17

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.5%

McDonough, GA

$566

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$19.86

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$837

To$1,570

↑ $733

1 Bed

From$957

To$1,640

↑ $683

2 Bed

From$1,196

To$1,800

↑ $604

3 Bed

From$1,675

To$2,255

↑ $580

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.

$7,446

Monthly in McDonough, GA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$121

Difference

Home Values

McDonough

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

↑ $1.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$111

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

McDonough, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

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

McDonough, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.