Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Oakdale, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.6% cheaper than Oakdale, MN. This translates to saving $192 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Oakdale, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Oakdale, MN, you'd need approximately $147,694.355 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Oakdale, MN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 7.1% more expensive than in Oakdale, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,370/month in Oakdale, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Oakdale, MN to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Oakdale, MN to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $192 per month, or $2306 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Oakdale, MN vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Oakdale, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Saint Paul, MN area

Current salary in Oakdale, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $192/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$192

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.3K

Per year

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

Oakdale, MN

Population:28K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$343K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$512K

Oakdale, MN

The North Star State

28K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 28K 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: Oakdale, MN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Oakdale, MN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,306/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $163more	7.1%
🏥Healthcare	$736/mo	$601/mo	↓ $135less	18.3%
📦Other	$1,635/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $72.75more	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$546/mo	↑ $51.61more	10.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,002/mo	$959/mo	↓ $42.88less	4.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,308/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $24.01less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 7.1%

Oakdale, MN

$2,306

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$163

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.3%

Oakdale, MN

$736

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$135

less

📦Other

↑ 4.5%

Oakdale, MN

$1,635

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$72.75

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.4%

Oakdale, MN

$495

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$51.61

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.3%

Oakdale, MN

$1,002

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$42.88

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Oakdale, MN

$1,308

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$24.01

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$999

To$1,570

↑ $571

1 Bed

From$1,128

To$1,640

↑ $512

2 Bed

From$1,370

To$1,800

↑ $430

3 Bed

From$1,813

To$2,255

↑ $442

Oakdale, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,400/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.

$7,482

Monthly in Oakdale, MN

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$85.08

Difference

Home Values

Oakdale

Raleigh

$343K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +23.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$343K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 49% more expensive than Oakdale

Calculate payment - Oakdale Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$276

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

Rate difference

Oakdale, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Oakdale, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.