Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Sierra Vista, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.1% more expensive than Sierra Vista, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $310 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Sierra Vista, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Sierra Vista, AZ, you'd need approximately $153,714.851 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sierra Vista, AZ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 26.2% more expensive than in Sierra Vista, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,034/month in Sierra Vista, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sierra Vista, AZ to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $310 more per month than Sierra Vista, AZ, or $3715 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sierra Vista, AZ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sierra Vista, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tucson, AZ area

Current salary in Sierra Vista, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $310/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$310

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.7K

Per year

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

Sierra Vista, AZ

Population:44K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$265K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Sierra Vista, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

44K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 44K 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: Sierra Vista, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Sierra Vista, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,956/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $512more	26.2%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$546/mo	↑ $72.28more	15.2%
📦Other	$1,766/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $58.79less	3.3%
🏥Healthcare	$556/mo	$601/mo	↑ $45.25more	8.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,003/mo	$959/mo	↓ $44.18less	4.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,260/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $24.53more	1.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.2%

Sierra Vista, AZ

$1,956

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$512

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.2%

Sierra Vista, AZ

$474

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$72.28

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Sierra Vista, AZ

$1,766

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$58.79

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.1%

Sierra Vista, AZ

$556

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$45.25

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Sierra Vista, AZ

$1,003

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$44.18

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.9%

Sierra Vista, AZ

$1,260

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$24.53

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$727

To$1,570

↑ $843

1 Bed

From$913

To$1,640

↑ $727

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$1,800

↑ $766

3 Bed

From$1,438

To$2,255

↑ $817

Sierra Vista, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,130–$1,130/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.

$7,016

Monthly in Sierra Vista, AZ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$551

Difference

Home Values

Sierra Vista

Raleigh

$265K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +31.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$265K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 93% more expensive than Sierra Vista

Calculate payment - Sierra Vista Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$158

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Sierra Vista, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Sierra Vista, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.