Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Monterey, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 38.1% cheaper than Monterey, CA. This translates to saving $2860 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Monterey, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Monterey, CA, you'd need approximately $115,677.382 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Monterey, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 63.6% cheaper than in Monterey, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,387/month in Monterey, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Monterey, CA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Monterey, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2860 per month, or $34323 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Monterey, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Monterey, CA — COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area + state data

Current salary in Monterey, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.7K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 38.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,860

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.3K

Per year

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

Monterey, CA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:62

Median Home:$512K

Monterey, CA

The Golden State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 29K 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: Monterey, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Monterey, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,787/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $4,318less	63.6%
📦Other	$1,423/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $284more	20.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,098/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $186more	17.0%
⚡All Utilities	$410/mo	$546/mo	↑ $136more	33.2%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$959/mo	↓ $38.01less	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$624/mo	$601/mo	↓ $22.85less	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.6%

Monterey, CA

$6,787

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$4,318

less

📦Other

↑ 20.0%

Monterey, CA

$1,423

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$284

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.0%

Monterey, CA

$1,098

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$186

⚡All Utilities

↑ 33.2%

Monterey, CA

$410

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$136

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.8%

Monterey, CA

$997

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$38.01

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.7%

Monterey, CA

$624

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$22.85

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,591

To$1,570

↓ $21.00

1 Bed

From$1,923

To$1,640

↓ $283

2 Bed

From$2,387

To$1,800

↓ $587

3 Bed

From$3,448

To$2,255

↓ $1,193

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.

$11,339

Monthly in Monterey, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,772

Difference

Home Values

Monterey

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

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Monterey, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Monterey, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.