Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Roanoke, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.4% more expensive than Roanoke, VA. This translates to spending an extra $257 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Roanoke, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Roanoke, VA, you'd need approximately $153,082.515 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Roanoke, VA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 9.9% more expensive than in Roanoke, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,296/month in Roanoke, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Roanoke, VA to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $257 more per month than Roanoke, VA, or $3083 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Roanoke, VA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Roanoke, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Winston-Salem, NC area

Current salary in Roanoke, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $257/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$257

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.1K

Per year

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

Roanoke, VA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$202K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Roanoke, VA

The Old Dominion State

97K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 97K 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: Roanoke, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Roanoke, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,246/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $223more	9.9%
📦Other	$1,658/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $49.27more	3.0%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$959/mo	↓ $25.46less	2.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,267/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $17.29more	1.4%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$601/mo	↓ $15.95less	2.6%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$546/mo	↑ $13.54more	2.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 9.9%

Roanoke, VA

$2,246

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$223

📦Other

↑ 3.0%

Roanoke, VA

$1,658

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$49.27

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.6%

Roanoke, VA

$985

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$25.46

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.4%

Roanoke, VA

$1,267

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$17.29

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.6%

Roanoke, VA

$617

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$15.95

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.5%

Roanoke, VA

$533

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$13.54

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,033

To$1,570

↑ $537

1 Bed

From$1,085

To$1,640

↑ $555

2 Bed

From$1,296

To$1,800

↑ $504

3 Bed

From$1,802

To$2,255

↑ $453

Roanoke, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$1,090/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.

$7,305

Monthly in Roanoke, VA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$262

Difference

Home Values

Roanoke

Raleigh

$202K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$142K - $295K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 153% more expensive than Roanoke

Calculate payment - Roanoke Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

Roanoke, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Roanoke, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.