Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Muskegon, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 7.7% more expensive than Muskegon, MI. This translates to spending an extra $574 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Muskegon, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Muskegon, MI, you'd need approximately $156,889.215 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Muskegon, MI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 44.1% more expensive than in Muskegon, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $968/month in Muskegon, MI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Muskegon, MI to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $574 more per month than Muskegon, MI, or $6889 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Muskegon, MI vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Muskegon, MI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Milwaukee, WI area

Current salary in Muskegon, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $574/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$574

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.9K

Per year

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

Muskegon, MI

Population:37K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$512K

Muskegon, MI

The Great Lakes State

37K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 37K 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: Muskegon, MI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Muskegon, MI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,714/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $755more	44.1%
📦Other	$1,591/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $116more	7.3%
🏥Healthcare	$715/mo	$601/mo	↓ $114less	16.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,393/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $109less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$506/mo	$546/mo	↑ $40.76more	8.1%
🛒Groceries	$955/mo	$959/mo	↑ $4.74more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 44.1%

Muskegon, MI

$1,714

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$755

📦Other

↑ 7.3%

Muskegon, MI

$1,591

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$116

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.0%

Muskegon, MI

$715

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$114

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.8%

Muskegon, MI

$1,393

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$109

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Muskegon, MI

$506

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$40.76

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.5%

Muskegon, MI

$955

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$4.74

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Muskegon, MI: Muskegon City Income Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$682

To$1,570

↑ $888

1 Bed

From$741

To$1,640

↑ $899

2 Bed

From$968

To$1,800

↑ $832

3 Bed

From$1,170

To$2,255

↑ $1,085

Muskegon, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $800–$1,000/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.

$6,873

Monthly in Muskegon, MI

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$694

Difference

Home Values

Muskegon

Raleigh

$241K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +39%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$170K - $330K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 112% more expensive than Muskegon

Calculate payment - Muskegon Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $750

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$62.50

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Muskegon, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

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

Muskegon, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.