Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Redding, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.2% more expensive than Redding, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Redding, CA, you'd need approximately $150,179.295 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 9.5% cheaper than in Redding, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,083/month in Redding, CA.

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

Redding, CA and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Redding, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area

Current salary in Redding, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.94/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.94

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$179

Per year

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

Redding, CA

Population:93K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$373K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Redding, CA

The Golden State

93K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 93K 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: Redding, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Redding, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $260less	9.5%
📦Other	$1,496/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $212more	14.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,175/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $109more	9.2%
⚡All Utilities	$482/mo	$546/mo	↑ $64.30more	13.3%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$601/mo	↑ $37.41more	6.6%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $4.20less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 9.5%

Redding, CA

$2,729

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↑ 14.1%

Redding, CA

$1,496

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$212

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.2%

Redding, CA

$1,175

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$109

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.3%

Redding, CA

$482

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$64.30

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.6%

Redding, CA

$564

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$37.41

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Redding, CA

$963

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$4.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$802

To$1,570

↑ $768

1 Bed

From$823

To$1,640

↑ $817

2 Bed

From$1,083

To$1,800

↑ $717

3 Bed

From$1,505

To$2,255

↑ $750

Redding, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,170–$1,360/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.

$7,409

Monthly in Redding, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$158

Difference

Home Values

Redding

Raleigh

$373K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$368K - $394K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 37% more expensive than Redding

Calculate payment - Redding 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

Redding, 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

Redding, 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.