Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 50.8% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3807 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $104,314.721 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 74.7% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3807 per month, or $45685 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.8K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $104.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 50.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,807

Savings

Annual Impact

$45.7K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:49

Median Home:$512K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	San Francisco, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $7,302less	74.7%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$959/mo	↓ $200less	17.2%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $167less	8.9%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$601/mo	↓ $105less	14.9%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$546/mo	↑ $98.36more	22.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.7%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$7,302

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.2%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$200

less

📦Other

↓ 8.9%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$167

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.0%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$98.36

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,570

↓ $890

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,640

↓ $1,310

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,800

↓ $1,770

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,255

↓ $2,305

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$8,551

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Raleigh

$1.25M

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 59% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.