Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Rosemead, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 38.2% cheaper than Rosemead, CA. This translates to saving $2862 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rosemead, CA, you'd need approximately $115,657.018 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 60.9% cheaper than in Rosemead, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,746/month in Rosemead, CA.

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

Moving from Rosemead, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2862 per month, or $34343 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rosemead, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Rosemead, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,862

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.3K

Per year

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

Rosemead, CA

Population:49K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$894K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:62

Median Home:$512K

Rosemead, CA

The Golden State

49K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 49K 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: Rosemead, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Rosemead, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,313/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,844less	60.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,953/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $669less	34.3%
📦Other	$1,567/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $141more	9.0%
🏥Healthcare	$527/mo	$601/mo	↑ $74.03more	14.0%
🛒Groceries	$990/mo	$959/mo	↓ $30.35less	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$546/mo	↑ $16.18more	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 60.9%

Rosemead, CA

$6,313

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,844

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 34.3%

Rosemead, CA

$1,953

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$669

less

📦Other

↑ 9.0%

Rosemead, CA

$1,567

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$141

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.0%

Rosemead, CA

$527

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$74.03

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.1%

Rosemead, CA

$990

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$30.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.1%

Rosemead, CA

$530

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$16.18

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,254

To$1,570

↑ $316

1 Bed

From$1,400

To$1,640

↑ $240

2 Bed

From$1,746

To$1,800

↑ $54.00

3 Bed

From$2,216

To$2,255

↑ $39.00

Rosemead, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,820–$1,820/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.

$11,880

Monthly in Rosemead, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,313

Difference

Home Values

Rosemead

Raleigh

$894K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +28.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$894K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 43% less expensive than Rosemead

Calculate payment - Rosemead 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

Rosemead, 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

Rosemead, 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.