Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Richmond, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 39.4% cheaper than Richmond, CA. This translates to saving $2958 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, CA, you'd need approximately $114,508.314 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 58.8% cheaper than in Richmond, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,997/month in Richmond, CA.

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

Moving from Richmond, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2958 per month, or $35492 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Richmond, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Richmond, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $114.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 39.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,958

Savings

Annual Impact

$35.5K

Per year

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

Richmond, CA

Population:114K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$512K

Richmond, CA

The Golden State

114K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 114K 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: Richmond, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Richmond, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,993/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,525less	58.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,095/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $811less	38.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,142/mo	$959/mo	↓ $183less	16.0%
📦Other	$1,820/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $112less	6.2%
⚡All Utilities	$441/mo	$546/mo	↑ $105more	23.8%
🏥Healthcare	$696/mo	$601/mo	↓ $94.89less	13.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.8%

Richmond, CA

$5,993

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,525

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.7%

Richmond, CA

$2,095

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$811

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.0%

Richmond, CA

$1,142

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$183

less

📦Other

↓ 6.2%

Richmond, CA

$1,820

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$112

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.8%

Richmond, CA

$441

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$105

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.6%

Richmond, CA

$696

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$94.89

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,444

To$1,570

↑ $126

1 Bed

From$1,642

To$1,640

↓ $2.00

2 Bed

From$1,997

To$1,800

↓ $197

3 Bed

From$2,549

To$2,255

↓ $294

Richmond, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,990–$2,200/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.

$12,188

Monthly in Richmond, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,621

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Raleigh

$558K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↓ -1.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$503K - $664K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 8% less expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond 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

Richmond, 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

Richmond, 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.