Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Richardson, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.7% cheaper than Richardson, TX. This translates to saving $502 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Richardson, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Richardson, TX, you'd need approximately $143,978.432 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richardson, TX and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 5.5% more expensive than in Richardson, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,834/month in Richardson, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Richardson, TX to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Richardson, TX to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $502 per month, or $6022 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richardson, TX vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Richardson, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Plano, TX area

Current salary in Richardson, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $502/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 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$502

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.0K

Per year

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

Richardson, TX

Population:117K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$437K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$512K

Richardson, TX

The Lone Star State

117K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 117K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: Richardson, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Richardson, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,888/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $180less	9.6%
🏠Housing	$2,340/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $129more	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$601/mo	↓ $24.85less	4.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $11.37more	0.9%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.94less	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$970/mo	$959/mo	↓ $10.49less	1.1%

📦Other

↓ 9.6%

Richardson, TX

$1,888

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$180

less

🏠Housing

↑ 5.5%

Richardson, TX

$2,340

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$129

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.0%

Richardson, TX

$626

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$24.85

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.9%

Richardson, TX

$1,273

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$11.37

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Richardson, TX

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.94

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.1%

Richardson, TX

$970

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$10.49

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,500

To$1,570

↑ $70.00

1 Bed

From$1,567

To$1,640

↑ $73.00

2 Bed

From$1,834

To$1,800

↓ $34.00

3 Bed

From$2,309

To$2,255

↓ $54.00

Richardson, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,840–$2,100/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.

$7,653

Monthly in Richardson, TX

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$86.22

Difference

Home Values

Richardson

Raleigh

$437K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +33.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$377K - $537K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 17% more expensive than Richardson

Calculate payment - Richardson Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Richardson, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

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

Richardson, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.