Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Spartanburg, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 7.6% more expensive than Spartanburg, SC. This translates to spending an extra $572 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Spartanburg, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Spartanburg, SC, you'd need approximately $156,858.269 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Spartanburg, SC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 19.6% more expensive than in Spartanburg, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $940/month in Spartanburg, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Spartanburg, SC to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $572 more per month than Spartanburg, SC, or $6858 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Spartanburg, SC vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Spartanburg, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area

Current salary in Spartanburg, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $572/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Greenville-Anderson, SC area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$572

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.9K

Per year

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

Spartanburg, SC

Population:39K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$257K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$512K

Spartanburg, SC

The Palmetto State

39K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 39K 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: Spartanburg, SC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Spartanburg, SC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,065/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $404more	19.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,117/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $167more	15.0%
📦Other	$1,587/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $121more	7.6%
⚡All Utilities	$500/mo	$546/mo	↑ $46.04more	9.2%
🏥Healthcare	$615/mo	$601/mo	↓ $14.17less	2.3%
🛒Groceries	$954/mo	$959/mo	↑ $5.69more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 19.6%

Spartanburg, SC

$2,065

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$404

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.0%

Spartanburg, SC

$1,117

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$167

📦Other

↑ 7.6%

Spartanburg, SC

$1,587

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$121

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.2%

Spartanburg, SC

$500

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$46.04

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.3%

Spartanburg, SC

$615

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$14.17

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.6%

Spartanburg, SC

$954

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$5.69

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$821

To$1,570

↑ $749

1 Bed

From$861

To$1,640

↑ $779

2 Bed

From$940

To$1,800

↑ $860

3 Bed

From$1,137

To$2,255

↑ $1,118

Spartanburg, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,230/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.

$6,837

Monthly in Spartanburg, SC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$730

Difference

Home Values

Spartanburg

Raleigh

$257K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +42%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$191K - $278K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 99% more expensive than Spartanburg

Calculate payment - Spartanburg Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$236

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Spartanburg, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

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

Spartanburg, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

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.