Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 42.3% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3170 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $111,964.286 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 67.7% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from New York, NY to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3170 per month, or $38036 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,170

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.0K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$512K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Raleigh, NC

Category	New York, NY	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,179less	67.7%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $326less	16.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $318less	19.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$601/mo	↓ $86.74less	12.6%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$546/mo	↓ $53.55less	8.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 67.7%

New York, NY

$7,648

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,179

less

📦Other

↓ 16.0%

New York, NY

$2,034

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$326

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

New York, NY

$1,602

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$318

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$1,165

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$206

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.6%

New York, NY

$688

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$86.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.9%

New York, NY

$600

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$53.55

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

To$1,570

↓ $1,550

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,640

↓ $1,630

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,800

↓ $1,790

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$2,255

↓ $2,245

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,170

Difference

Home Values

New York

Raleigh

$1.05M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 51% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$202

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.