Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than South Bend, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 7.1% more expensive than South Bend, IN. This translates to spending an extra $529 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in South Bend, IN?

If you earn $150,000 in South Bend, IN, you'd need approximately $156,353.539 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between South Bend, IN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 24.3% more expensive than in South Bend, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,354/month in South Bend, IN.

How much can I save per month by moving from South Bend, IN to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $529 more per month than South Bend, IN, or $6354 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Bend, IN vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South Bend, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fort Wayne, IN area

Current salary in South Bend, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $529/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$529

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.4K

Per year

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

South Bend, IN

Population:103K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$166K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$512K

South Bend, IN

The Hoosier State

103K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 103K 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: South Bend, IN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	South Bend, IN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,986/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $483more	24.3%
📦Other	$1,626/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $81.13more	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$525/mo	$546/mo	↑ $21.19more	4.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,297/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $13.25less	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$608/mo	$601/mo	↓ $7.51less	1.2%
🛒Groceries	$961/mo	$959/mo	↓ $1.22less	0.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.3%

South Bend, IN

$1,986

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$483

📦Other

↑ 5.0%

South Bend, IN

$1,626

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$81.13

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

South Bend, IN

$525

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$21.19

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.0%

South Bend, IN

$1,297

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$13.25

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.2%

South Bend, IN

$608

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$7.51

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.1%

South Bend, IN

$961

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$1.22

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

South Bend, IN: St. Joseph County Income Tax$2,625/yr (1.8%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$939

To$1,570

↑ $631

1 Bed

From$1,157

To$1,640

↑ $483

2 Bed

From$1,354

To$1,800

↑ $446

3 Bed

From$1,643

To$2,255

↑ $612

South Bend, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$1,520/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.

$7,004

Monthly in South Bend, IN

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$563

Difference

Home Values

South Bend

Raleigh

$166K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +52.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$102K - $297K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 208% more expensive than South Bend

Calculate payment - South Bend Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$190

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

South Bend, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

South Bend, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

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.