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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $959/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Memphis, TN-MS-AR area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 12.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$959
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$11.5K
Per year

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

Memphis, TN

Population:633K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$129K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:113
Median Home:$512K

Memphis, TN

The Volunteer State

633K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 633K residents.

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

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: Memphis, TN vs Raleigh, NC

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 33.8%
Memphis, TN
$1,845
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$624
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 14.1%
Memphis, TN
$527
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$74.35
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 3.3%
Memphis, TN
$1,243
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$40.98
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 2.0%
Memphis, TN
$1,674
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$33.48
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 2.1%
Memphis, TN
$939
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$19.99
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 3.1%
Memphis, TN
$530
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$16.39
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,035
To$1,570
โ†‘ $535
1 Bed
From$1,125
To$1,640
โ†‘ $515
2 Bed
From$1,245
To$1,800
โ†‘ $555
3 Bed
From$1,645
To$2,255
โ†‘ $610
Memphis, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $940โ€“$1,730/mo

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.

$6,758
Monthly in Memphis, TN
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$809
Difference

Home Values

Memphis
Raleigh
$129K
Median Value
$512K
โ†“ -2.8%
YoY Change
โ†“ -0.5%
โ†‘ +25.1%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +38.2%
$58K - $408K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 297% more expensive than Memphis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†“ $7.1K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$594
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.7%
Rate difference

Memphis, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

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

Memphis, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

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

Memphis
Raleigh
55 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
34.4%
Good Air Days
61.7%
99 High
Climate Risk
96 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐Ÿซจ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
54 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
54 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Tennessee and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

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