Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Santa Ana, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 44.0% cheaper than Santa Ana, CA. This translates to saving $3302 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Santa Ana, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Ana, CA, you'd need approximately $110,375.072 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Ana, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 68.1% cheaper than in Santa Ana, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,660/month in Santa Ana, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3302 per month, or $39625 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Ana, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Santa Ana, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 44.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,302

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.6K

Per year

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

Santa Ana, CA

Population:310K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$833K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$512K

Santa Ana, CA

The Golden State

310K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 310K 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: Santa Ana, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Santa Ana, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,281less	68.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$959/mo	↓ $80.94less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$601/mo	↑ $47.09more	8.5%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $23.44less	1.4%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.1%

Santa Ana, CA

$7,749

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,281

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

Santa Ana, CA

$2,158

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,040

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$80.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.5%

Santa Ana, CA

$554

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$47.09

📦Other

↓ 1.4%

Santa Ana, CA

$1,731

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$23.44

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Santa Ana, CA

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,205

To$1,570

↓ $635

1 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,640

↓ $615

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,800

↓ $860

3 Bed

From$3,610

To$2,255

↓ $1,355

Santa Ana, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,410/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Santa Ana, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,223

Difference

Home Values

Santa Ana

Raleigh

$833K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +36.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$679K - $1.00M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 39% less expensive than Santa Ana

Calculate payment - Santa Ana 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

Santa Ana, 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

Santa Ana, 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.