Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Santa Clara, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 43.6% cheaper than Santa Clara, CA. This translates to saving $3270 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Clara, CA, you'd need approximately $110,755.814 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 67.7% cheaper than in Santa Clara, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,960/month in Santa Clara, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Clara, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3270 per month, or $39244 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Clara, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Santa Clara, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 43.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,270

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.2K

Per year

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

Santa Clara, CA

Population:131K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.60M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$512K

Santa Clara, CA

The Golden State

131K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 131K 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 Clara, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Santa Clara, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,640/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,171less	67.7%
🛒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

↓ 67.7%

Santa Clara, CA

$7,640

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,171

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.0%

Santa Clara, CA

$1,129

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$170

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Santa Clara, CA

$1,407

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Santa Clara, CA

$1,825

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$117

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

Santa Clara, CA

$706

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.6%

Santa Clara, CA

$464

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$81.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,980

To$1,570

↓ $1,410

1 Bed

From$3,390

To$1,640

↓ $1,750

2 Bed

From$3,960

To$1,800

↓ $2,160

3 Bed

From$5,230

To$2,255

↓ $2,975

Santa Clara, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,860–$3,790/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.

$13,172

Monthly in Santa Clara, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$5,605

Difference

Home Values

Santa Clara

Raleigh

$1.60M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.49M - $1.86M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 68% less expensive than Santa Clara

Calculate payment - Santa Clara 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 Clara, 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 Clara, 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.