Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Miami, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 21.1% cheaper than Miami, FL. This translates to saving $1585 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Miami, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Miami, FL, you'd need approximately $130,975.61 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Miami, FL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 33.1% cheaper than in Miami, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,660/month in Miami, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Miami, FL to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Miami, FL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1585 per month, or $19024 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Miami, FL

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Miami, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,585

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.0K

Per year

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

Miami, FL

Population:442K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$510K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:79

Median Home:$512K

Miami, FL

The Sunshine State

442K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Tropical

Notable Facts

•Gateway to Latin America
•Major cruise port
•International business hub

Major Industries

International TradeTourismFinanceReal Estate

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: Miami, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Miami, FL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,690/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,221less	33.1%
📦Other	$2,093/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $385less	18.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $178less	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 33.1%

Miami, FL

$3,690

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,221

less

📦Other

↓ 18.4%

Miami, FL

$2,093

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$385

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.1%

Miami, FL

$1,462

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$178

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Miami, FL

$1,079

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Miami, FL

$519

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Miami, FL

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,995

To$1,570

↓ $425

1 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,640

↓ $540

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,800

↓ $860

3 Bed

From$3,415

To$2,255

↓ $1,160

Miami, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,550–$2,990/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.

$9,431

Monthly in Miami, FL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,864

Difference

Home Values

Miami

Raleigh

$510K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +49.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$278K - $1.53M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Miami Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Miami, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

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

Miami, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.