Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than South Gate, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 25.5% cheaper than South Gate, CA. This translates to saving $1911 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in South Gate, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in South Gate, CA, you'd need approximately $127,062.462 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between South Gate, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 42.1% cheaper than in South Gate, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,713/month in South Gate, CA.

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

Moving from South Gate, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1911 per month, or $22938 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Gate, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South Gate, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Long Beach, CA area

Current salary in South Gate, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 25.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,911

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.9K

Per year

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

South Gate, CA

Population:90K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$683K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$512K

South Gate, CA

The Golden State

90K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 90K 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 Gate, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	South Gate, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,263/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,794less	42.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,081/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $797less	38.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,020/mo	$959/mo	↓ $61.21less	6.0%
🏥Healthcare	$541/mo	$601/mo	↑ $59.51more	11.0%
📦Other	$1,663/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $44.86more	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$547/mo	$546/mo	↓ $0.88less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 42.1%

South Gate, CA

$4,263

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,794

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.3%

South Gate, CA

$2,081

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$797

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.0%

South Gate, CA

$1,020

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$61.21

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.0%

South Gate, CA

$541

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$59.51

📦Other

↑ 2.7%

South Gate, CA

$1,663

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$44.86

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.2%

South Gate, CA

$547

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$0.88

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,229

To$1,570

↑ $341

1 Bed

From$1,377

To$1,640

↑ $263

2 Bed

From$1,713

To$1,800

↑ $87.00

3 Bed

From$2,172

To$2,255

↑ $83.00

South Gate, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,680–$1,680/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.

$10,116

Monthly in South Gate, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,549

Difference

Home Values

South Gate

Raleigh

$683K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$683K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 25% less expensive than South Gate

Calculate payment - South Gate 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

South Gate, 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

South Gate, 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.