Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.0% cheaper than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to saving $451 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Phoenix, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $144,593.023 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Phoenix, AZ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.5% cheaper than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Phoenix, AZ to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $451 per month, or $5407 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Phoenix, AZ

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $451/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.6K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$451

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.4K

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $320less	11.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $205less	13.8%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $30.13more	1.8%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$546/mo	↓ $14.75less	2.6%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $4.00less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$320

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$205

less

📦Other

↑ 1.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$30.13

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.6%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$14.75

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$4.00

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,570

↑ $180

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,640

↑ $130

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,800

↑ $50.00

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,255

↓ $75.00

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$501

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Raleigh

$414K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 24% more expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$158

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.