Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Pasadena, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 39.6% cheaper than Pasadena, CA. This translates to saving $2970 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pasadena, CA, you'd need approximately $114,357.43 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 61.8% cheaper than in Pasadena, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,438/month in Pasadena, CA.

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

Moving from Pasadena, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2970 per month, or $35643 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Pasadena, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Pasadena, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $114.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 39.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,970

Savings

Annual Impact

$35.6K

Per year

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

Pasadena, CA

Population:134K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.12M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$512K

Pasadena, CA

The Golden State

134K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 134K 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: Pasadena, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Pasadena, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,463/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,995less	61.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,000/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $716less	35.8%
📦Other	$1,604/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $103more	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$533/mo	$601/mo	↑ $67.76more	12.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,001/mo	$959/mo	↓ $42.11less	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$537/mo	$546/mo	↑ $9.88more	1.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.8%

Pasadena, CA

$6,463

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,995

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.8%

Pasadena, CA

$2,000

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$716

less

📦Other

↑ 6.4%

Pasadena, CA

$1,604

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$103

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.7%

Pasadena, CA

$533

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$67.76

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Pasadena, CA

$1,001

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$42.11

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.8%

Pasadena, CA

$537

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$9.88

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,745

To$1,570

↓ $175

1 Bed

From$1,954

To$1,640

↓ $314

2 Bed

From$2,438

To$1,800

↓ $638

3 Bed

From$3,092

To$2,255

↓ $837

Pasadena, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,010–$3,130/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.

$12,139

Monthly in Pasadena, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,572

Difference

Home Values

Pasadena

Raleigh

$1.12M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +27.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$777K - $1.77M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 54% less expensive than Pasadena

Calculate payment - Pasadena 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

Pasadena, 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

Pasadena, 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.