Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 32.6% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2448 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $120,625 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 52.7% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2448 per month, or $29375 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Diego, CA

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.6K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,448

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.4K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$512K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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 Diego, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	San Diego, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,755less	52.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $287less	18.3%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $184less	9.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$546/mo	↓ $87.43less	13.8%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$601/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.7%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,755

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.3%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$287

less

📦Other

↓ 9.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$184

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.8%

San Diego, CA

$634

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$87.43

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.8%

San Diego, CA

$638

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$37.17

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,570

↓ $995

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,640

↓ $1,115

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,800

↓ $1,560

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,255

↓ $2,220

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,470

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Raleigh

$980K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 48% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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 Diego, 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 Diego, 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.