Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $437 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 6.9% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Nashville, TN to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Nashville, TN

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $437/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

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: Nashville, TN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Nashville, TN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $234less	12.1%
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $182less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.3%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$601/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

📦Other

↓ 12.1%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$234

less

🏠Housing

↓ 6.9%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$182

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Nashville, TN

$519

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Nashville, TN

$949

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$9.99

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Nashville, TN

$607

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$6.20

less

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,570

↓ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,640

↓ $40.00

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,800

↓ $40.00

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,255

↓ $95.00

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$385

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Raleigh

$489K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 5% more expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville 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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.