Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Sun City West, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.0% more expensive than Sun City West, AZ. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Sun City West, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Sun City West, AZ, you'd need approximately $150,904.986 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sun City West, AZ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 11.0% more expensive than in Sun City West, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,131/month in Sun City West, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sun City West, AZ to Raleigh, NC?

Sun City West, AZ and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sun City West, AZ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sun City West, AZ — COL adjusted from Glendale, AZ area + state data

Current salary in Sun City West, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $75.42/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$75.42

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$905

Per year

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

Sun City West, AZ

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$398K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

Sun City West, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 26K 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: Sun City West, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Sun City West, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,224/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $245more	11.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,416/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $132less	9.3%
📦Other	$1,592/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $116more	7.3%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$601/mo	↑ $27.04more	4.7%
🛒Groceries	$935/mo	$959/mo	↑ $23.88more	2.6%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$546/mo	↑ $13.60more	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.0%

Sun City West, AZ

$2,224

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$245

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.3%

Sun City West, AZ

$1,416

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$132

less

📦Other

↑ 7.3%

Sun City West, AZ

$1,592

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$116

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.7%

Sun City West, AZ

$574

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$27.04

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.6%

Sun City West, AZ

$935

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$23.88

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.6%

Sun City West, AZ

$533

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$13.60

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$768

To$1,570

↑ $802

1 Bed

From$889

To$1,640

↑ $751

2 Bed

From$1,131

To$1,800

↑ $669

3 Bed

From$1,616

To$2,255

↑ $639

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.

$7,273

Monthly in Sun City West, AZ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$294

Difference

Home Values

Sun City West

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

↓ $1.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$158

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Sun City West, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Sun City West, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

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.