Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Passaic, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 7.1% cheaper than Passaic, NJ. This translates to saving $536 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Passaic, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Passaic, NJ, you'd need approximately $143,571.504 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Passaic, NJ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 25.4% more expensive than in Passaic, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,554/month in Passaic, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Passaic, NJ to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Passaic, NJ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $536 per month, or $6428 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Passaic, NJ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Passaic, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Passaic, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $536/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.6K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$536

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.4K

Per year

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

Passaic, NJ

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$553K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$512K

Passaic, NJ

The Garden State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 69K 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: Passaic, NJ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Passaic, NJ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,968/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $501more	25.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,546/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $262less	16.9%
📦Other	$1,959/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $252less	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,081/mo	$959/mo	↓ $122less	11.3%
🏥Healthcare	$676/mo	$601/mo	↓ $75.38less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$586/mo	$546/mo	↓ $39.34less	6.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 25.4%

Passaic, NJ

$1,968

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$501

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.9%

Passaic, NJ

$1,546

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$262

less

📦Other

↓ 12.8%

Passaic, NJ

$1,959

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$252

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.3%

Passaic, NJ

$1,081

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$122

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.1%

Passaic, NJ

$676

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$75.38

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.7%

Passaic, NJ

$586

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$39.34

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,192

To$1,570

↑ $378

1 Bed

From$1,357

To$1,640

↑ $283

2 Bed

From$1,554

To$1,800

↑ $246

3 Bed

From$1,899

To$2,255

↑ $356

Passaic, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,650/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.

$7,816

Monthly in Passaic, NJ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$249

Difference

Home Values

Passaic

Raleigh

$553K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +42.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$553K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 7% less expensive than Passaic

Calculate payment - Passaic Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $306

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Passaic, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Passaic, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.