Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than San Antonio, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.6% more expensive than San Antonio, TX. This translates to spending an extra $495 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Antonio, TX, you'd need approximately $155,934.066 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.6% more expensive than in San Antonio, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $495 more per month than San Antonio, TX, or $5934 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Antonio, TX

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Antonio, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $495/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$495

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.9K

Per year

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$215K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$512K

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M 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: San Antonio, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	San Antonio, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,100/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $369more	17.6%
🏥Healthcare	$527/mo	$601/mo	↑ $74.35more	14.1%
📦Other	$1,647/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $60.26more	3.7%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$546/mo	↑ $50.82more	10.3%
🛒Groceries	$913/mo	$959/mo	↑ $45.97more	5.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,287/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $2.73less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 17.6%

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$369

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.1%

San Antonio, TX

$527

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$74.35

📦Other

↑ 3.7%

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$60.26

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.3%

San Antonio, TX

$496

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$50.82

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.0%

San Antonio, TX

$913

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$45.97

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.2%

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$2.73

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$1,570

↑ $460

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$1,640

↑ $430

2 Bed

From$1,470

To$1,800

↑ $330

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$2,255

↑ $365

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/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.

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$598

Difference

Home Values

San Antonio

Raleigh

$215K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +16.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$107K - $905K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 138% more expensive than San Antonio

Calculate payment - San Antonio 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

San Antonio, 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

San Antonio, 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.