MN
MoveNumbers
MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Monroe, LA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baton Rouge, LA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $771/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 10.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$771
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$9.3K
Per year

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

Monroe, LA

Population:47K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$194K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:110
Median Home:$512K

Monroe, LA

The Pelican State

47K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 47K 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: Monroe, LA vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 33.2%
Monroe, LA
$1,854
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$615
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 29.8%
Monroe, LA
$463
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$138
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 6.9%
Monroe, LA
$1,201
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$82.56
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 14.3%
Monroe, LA
$478
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$68.31
more
📦Other
↑ 0.5%
Monroe, LA
$1,699
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$8.58
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 0.7%
Monroe, LA
$953
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$6.36
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$653
To$1,570
↑ $917
1 Bed
From$674
To$1,640
↑ $966
2 Bed
From$875
To$1,800
↑ $925
3 Bed
From$1,126
To$2,255
↑ $1,129
Monroe, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $800–$840/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.

$6,648
Monthly in Monroe, LA
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$919
Difference

Home Values

Monroe
Raleigh
$194K
Median Value
$512K
↓ -0.3%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +17.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$179K - $209K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 164% more expensive than Monroe

Calculate payment - MonroeCalculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $625
Per year
Monthly Difference
$52.08
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.4%
Rate difference

Monroe, LA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Louisiana State Tax
Effective: 5.2%
$7.8K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.8%
$44.8K
Take-Home Pay
$8,770/month
$105.2K

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

Monroe, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%
Property Tax:0.5%

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.

Environment

Monroe
Raleigh
51 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
48.9%
Good Air Days
61.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌀🌡
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
51 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+2.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
51 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Louisiana and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Monroe, LA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $81.50/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $81.50/mo

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TXDenver, CONashville, TN

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison