Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Medford, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.2% more expensive than Medford, OR. This translates to spending an extra $237 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Medford, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Medford, OR, you'd need approximately $152,844.217 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Medford, OR and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 19.4% cheaper than in Medford, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $965/month in Medford, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Medford, OR to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $237 more per month than Medford, OR, or $2844 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Medford, OR vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Medford, OR — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Portland, OR area

Current salary in Medford, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $237/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$237

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.8K

Per year

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

Medford, OR

Population:85K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$434K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Medford, OR

The Beaver State

85K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 85K 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: Medford, OR vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Medford, OR	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,062/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $593less	19.4%
📦Other	$1,392/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $315more	22.6%
⚡All Utilities	$404/mo	$546/mo	↑ $142more	35.2%
🛒Groceries	$909/mo	$959/mo	↑ $49.96more	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,245/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $39.13more	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$601/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.4%

Medford, OR

$3,062

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$593

less

📦Other

↑ 22.6%

Medford, OR

$1,392

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$315

⚡All Utilities

↑ 35.2%

Medford, OR

$404

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$142

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.5%

Medford, OR

$909

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$49.96

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.1%

Medford, OR

$1,245

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$39.13

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.6%

Medford, OR

$564

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$37.17

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$664

To$1,570

↑ $906

1 Bed

From$775

To$1,640

↑ $865

2 Bed

From$965

To$1,800

↑ $835

3 Bed

From$1,340

To$2,255

↑ $915

Medford, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,260–$1,260/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.

$7,577

Monthly in Medford, OR

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$9.70

Difference

Home Values

Medford

Raleigh

$434K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +21.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$434K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 18% more expensive than Medford

Calculate payment - Medford Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$699

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Medford, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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

Medford, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

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.