Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 6.4% more expensive than Raleigh, NC. This translates to spending an extra $479 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $155,752.577 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 12.9% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $479 more per month than Raleigh, NC, or $5753 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $479/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.8K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$479

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.8K

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

Median Home:$512K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$414K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Raleigh, NC vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Raleigh, NC	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $320more	12.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $30.13less	1.8%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$561/mo	↑ $14.75more	2.7%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$589/mo	↓ $12.39less	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.9%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$320

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

📦Other

↓ 1.8%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$30.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.7%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$14.75

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.1%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$12.39

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,390

↓ $180

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,510

↓ $130

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,750

↓ $50.00

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,330

↑ $75.00

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$501

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Phoenix

$512K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 19% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$158

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.