Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Pleasanton, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 42.2% cheaper than Pleasanton, CA. This translates to saving $3164 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pleasanton, CA, you'd need approximately $112,029.579 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 63.2% cheaper than in Pleasanton, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,989/month in Pleasanton, CA.

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

Moving from Pleasanton, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3164 per month, or $37970 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Pleasanton, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Pleasanton, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,164

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.0K

Per year

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

Pleasanton, CA

Population:75K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.52M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$512K

Pleasanton, CA

The Golden State

75K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 75K 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: Pleasanton, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Pleasanton, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,708/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $4,239less	63.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,115/mo	$959/mo	↓ $156less	14.0%
🏥Healthcare	$698/mo	$601/mo	↓ $96.63less	13.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $88.49less	6.4%
⚡All Utilities	$459/mo	$546/mo	↑ $87.68more	19.1%
📦Other	$1,780/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $72.51less	4.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.2%

Pleasanton, CA

$6,708

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$4,239

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.0%

Pleasanton, CA

$1,115

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$156

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.9%

Pleasanton, CA

$698

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$96.63

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.4%

Pleasanton, CA

$1,373

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$88.49

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.1%

Pleasanton, CA

$459

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$87.68

📦Other

↓ 4.1%

Pleasanton, CA

$1,780

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$72.51

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,197

To$1,570

↓ $627

1 Bed

From$2,450

To$1,640

↓ $810

2 Bed

From$2,989

To$1,800

↓ $1,189

3 Bed

From$3,823

To$2,255

↓ $1,568

Pleasanton, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,720–$3,190/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.

$12,132

Monthly in Pleasanton, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,565

Difference

Home Values

Pleasanton

Raleigh

$1.52M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -7.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +29.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.38M - $1.66M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 66% less expensive than Pleasanton

Calculate payment - Pleasanton 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

Pleasanton, 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

Pleasanton, 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.