Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Plainfield, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.7% cheaper than Plainfield, NJ. This translates to saving $499 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Plainfield, NJ, you'd need approximately $144,007.896 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 26.1% more expensive than in Plainfield, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,431/month in Plainfield, NJ.

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

Moving from Plainfield, NJ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $499 per month, or $5992 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Plainfield, NJ — COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area + state data

Current salary in Plainfield, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $499/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.0K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$499

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.0K

Per year

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

Plainfield, NJ

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$484K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$512K

Plainfield, NJ

The Garden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 55K 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: Plainfield, NJ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Plainfield, NJ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,958/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $511more	26.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,538/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $254less	16.5%
📦Other	$1,949/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $242less	12.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,078/mo	$959/mo	↓ $119less	11.0%
🏥Healthcare	$675/mo	$601/mo	↓ $73.62less	10.9%
⚡All Utilities	$584/mo	$546/mo	↓ $37.82less	6.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.1%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,958

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$511

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.5%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,538

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$254

less

📦Other

↓ 12.4%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,949

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$242

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.0%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,078

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$119

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.9%

Plainfield, NJ

$675

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$73.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.5%

Plainfield, NJ

$584

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$37.82

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$981

To$1,570

↑ $589

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,640

↑ $495

2 Bed

From$1,431

To$1,800

↑ $369

3 Bed

From$1,963

To$2,255

↑ $292

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.

$7,782

Monthly in Plainfield, NJ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$215

Difference

Home Values

Plainfield

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

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

Plainfield, 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

Plainfield, 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.