Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than San Bernardino, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 17.1% cheaper than San Bernardino, CA. This translates to saving $1282 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Bernardino, CA, you'd need approximately $134,615.385 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 29.6% cheaper than in San Bernardino, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,080/month in San Bernardino, CA.

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

Moving from San Bernardino, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1282 per month, or $15385 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Bernardino, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Bernardino, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.6K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,282

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.4K

Per year

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

San Bernardino, CA

Population:222K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$448K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$512K

San Bernardino, CA

The Golden State

222K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 222K 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: San Bernardino, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	San Bernardino, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,508/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,039less	29.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$959/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$551/mo	$601/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.0%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 29.6%

San Bernardino, CA

$3,508

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,039

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

San Bernardino, CA

$2,158

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,039

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

San Bernardino, CA

$551

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$49.57

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,724

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$16.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

San Bernardino, CA

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,570

↓ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,670

To$1,640

↓ $30.00

2 Bed

From$2,080

To$1,800

↓ $280

3 Bed

From$2,780

To$2,255

↓ $525

San Bernardino, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,910/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.

$9,539

Monthly in San Bernardino, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,972

Difference

Home Values

San Bernardino

Raleigh

$448K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +39%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$374K - $530K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 14% more expensive than San Bernardino

Calculate payment - San Bernardino 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

San Bernardino, 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

San Bernardino, 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.