Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 51.7% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3881 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $103,432.836 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 74.5% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3881 per month, or $46567 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Jose, CA

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.9K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $103.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 51.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,881

Savings

Annual Impact

$46.6K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:48

Median Home:$512K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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 Jose, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	San Jose, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $7,198less	74.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$959/mo	↓ $170less	15.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $117less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$601/mo	↓ $105less	14.9%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$546/mo	↑ $81.96more	17.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.5%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$7,198

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$170

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$117

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

San Jose, CA

$706

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.6%

San Jose, CA

$464

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$81.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$1,570

↓ $1,020

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,640

↓ $1,310

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,800

↓ $1,645

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$2,255

↓ $2,295

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7,632

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Raleigh

$1.35M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 62% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.