Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.2% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $311 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $146,264.822 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 6.7% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $311 per month, or $3735 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $311/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$311

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.7K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$512K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $156more	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$959/mo	↓ $145less	13.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $137less	9.6%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$546/mo	↓ $60.11less	9.9%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$601/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 6.7%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$156

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$145

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$137

less

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.11

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$6.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/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$1,280

To$1,570

↑ $290

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,640

↑ $250

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,800

↑ $140

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,255

↑ $265

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$259

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Raleigh

$241K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 112% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$210

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.