Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Smyrna, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.0% cheaper than Smyrna, GA. This translates to saving $296 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Smyrna, GA, you'd need approximately $146,444.266 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 9.7% more expensive than in Smyrna, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,656/month in Smyrna, GA.

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

Moving from Smyrna, GA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $296 per month, or $3556 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Smyrna, GA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Smyrna, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $296/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$296

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.6K

Per year

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

Smyrna, GA

Population:57K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$437K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$512K

Smyrna, GA

The Peach State

57K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 57K 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: Smyrna, GA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Smyrna, GA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,251/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $218more	9.7%
📦Other	$1,834/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $127less	6.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $95.48less	6.9%
🏥Healthcare	$575/mo	$601/mo	↑ $26.47more	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$571/mo	$546/mo	↓ $24.26less	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$936/mo	$959/mo	↑ $22.94more	2.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 9.7%

Smyrna, GA

$2,251

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$218

📦Other

↓ 6.9%

Smyrna, GA

$1,834

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$127

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.9%

Smyrna, GA

$1,380

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$95.48

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.6%

Smyrna, GA

$575

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$26.47

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.3%

Smyrna, GA

$571

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$24.26

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.5%

Smyrna, GA

$936

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$22.94

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,441

To$1,570

↑ $129

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,640

↑ $130

2 Bed

From$1,656

To$1,800

↑ $144

3 Bed

From$1,984

To$2,255

↑ $271

Smyrna, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,840–$1,890/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.

$7,546

Monthly in Smyrna, GA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$21.23

Difference

Home Values

Smyrna

Raleigh

$437K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$437K - $438K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 17% more expensive than Smyrna

Calculate payment - Smyrna 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

Smyrna, 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

Smyrna, 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.