Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Sandy Springs, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.3% cheaper than Sandy Springs, GA. This translates to saving $398 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Sandy Springs, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sandy Springs, GA, you'd need approximately $145,228.102 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sandy Springs, GA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 8.2% more expensive than in Sandy Springs, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,103/month in Sandy Springs, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sandy Springs, GA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Sandy Springs, GA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $398 per month, or $4772 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sandy Springs, GA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sandy Springs, GA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Atlanta, GA area

Current salary in Sandy Springs, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $398/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$398

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.8K

Per year

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

Sandy Springs, GA

Population:106K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$611K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$512K

Sandy Springs, GA

The Peach State

106K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 106K 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: Sandy Springs, GA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Sandy Springs, GA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,283/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $186more	8.2%
📦Other	$1,860/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $153less	8.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,399/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $115less	8.2%
⚡All Utilities	$575/mo	$546/mo	↓ $28.32less	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$579/mo	$601/mo	↑ $22.39more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$943/mo	$959/mo	↑ $16.29more	1.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.2%

Sandy Springs, GA

$2,283

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$186

📦Other

↓ 8.2%

Sandy Springs, GA

$1,860

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$153

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.2%

Sandy Springs, GA

$1,399

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$115

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.9%

Sandy Springs, GA

$575

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$28.32

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.9%

Sandy Springs, GA

$579

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$22.39

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.7%

Sandy Springs, GA

$943

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$16.29

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,832

To$1,570

↓ $262

1 Bed

From$1,922

To$1,640

↓ $282

2 Bed

From$2,103

To$1,800

↓ $303

3 Bed

From$2,522

To$2,255

↓ $267

Sandy Springs, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,340–$2,340/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.

$7,639

Monthly in Sandy Springs, GA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$71.54

Difference

Home Values

Sandy Springs

Raleigh

$611K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +34.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$611K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 16% less expensive than Sandy Springs

Calculate payment - Sandy Springs Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$111

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Sandy Springs, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

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

Sandy Springs, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.