Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Southlake, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.7% more expensive than Southlake, TX. This translates to spending an extra $201 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Southlake, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Southlake, TX, you'd need approximately $152,414.989 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Southlake, TX and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 20.2% more expensive than in Southlake, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,135/month in Southlake, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Southlake, TX to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $201 more per month than Southlake, TX, or $2415 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Southlake, TX vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Southlake, TX — COL adjusted from Irving, TX area + state data

Current salary in Southlake, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $201/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$201

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

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

Southlake, TX

Population:31K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$373K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Southlake, TX

The Lone Star State

31K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 31K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: Southlake, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Southlake, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,053/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $416more	20.2%
📦Other	$1,661/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $46.27more	2.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,238/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $45.78more	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$601/mo	↓ $16.34less	2.6%
⚡All Utilities	$550/mo	$546/mo	↓ $3.35less	0.6%
🛒Groceries	$957/mo	$959/mo	↑ $2.71more	0.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 20.2%

Southlake, TX

$2,053

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$416

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Southlake, TX

$1,661

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$46.27

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.7%

Southlake, TX

$1,238

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$45.78

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.6%

Southlake, TX

$617

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$16.34

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.6%

Southlake, TX

$550

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$3.35

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.3%

Southlake, TX

$957

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$2.71

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$771

To$1,570

↑ $799

1 Bed

From$892

To$1,640

↑ $748

2 Bed

From$1,135

To$1,800

↑ $665

3 Bed

From$1,541

To$2,255

↑ $714

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.

$7,076

Monthly in Southlake, TX

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$491

Difference

Home Values

Southlake

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Southlake, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Southlake, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.