Is Miami, FL cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Miami, FL is 26.8% more expensive than Raleigh, NC. This translates to spending an extra $2010 per month.

What salary do I need in Miami, FL to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $174,123.711 in Miami, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Miami, FL?

Housing in Miami, FL is 49.5% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Miami, FL compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Miami, FL?

Living in Miami, FL costs approximately $2010 more per month than Raleigh, NC, or $24124 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Miami, FL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.0K/month more in Miami, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $174.1K in Miami, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 26.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,010

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$24.1K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$512K

Miami, FL

Population:442K

Cost Index:

127

(27% above avg)

Median Home:$510K

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

Miami, FL

The Sunshine State

442K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Tropical

Notable Facts

•Gateway to Latin America
•Major cruise port
•International business hub

Major Industries

International TradeTourismFinanceReal Estate

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Raleigh, NC vs Miami, FL

Category	Raleigh, NC	Miami, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$3,690/mo	↑ $1,221more	49.5%
Other	$1,707/mo	$2,093/mo	↑ $385more	22.5%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $178more	13.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$519/mo	↓ $27.32less	5.0%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$589/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.1%

Housing

↑ 49.5%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Miami, FL

$3,690

Difference

$1,221

Other

↑ 22.5%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Miami, FL

$2,093

Difference

$385

Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Miami, FL

$1,462

Difference

$178

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Miami, FL

$1,079

Difference

$120

All Utilities

↓ 5.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Miami, FL

$519

Difference

$27.32

less

Healthcare

↓ 2.1%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Miami, FL

$589

Difference

$12.39

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,995

↑ $425

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$2,180

↑ $540

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,660

↑ $860

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$3,415

↑ $1,160

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

Miami, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,550–$2,990/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$9,431

Monthly in Miami, FL

$1,864

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Miami

$512K

Median Value

$510K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.6%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +49.4%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$278K - $1.53M

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Miami

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

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

Miami, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Miami, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.