Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Sun Prairie, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.5% cheaper than Sun Prairie, WI. This translates to saving $263 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Sun Prairie, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Sun Prairie, WI, you'd need approximately $146,844.979 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sun Prairie, WI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 4.0% more expensive than in Sun Prairie, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,392/month in Sun Prairie, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sun Prairie, WI to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Sun Prairie, WI to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $263 per month, or $3155 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sun Prairie, WI vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sun Prairie, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Sun Prairie, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $263/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$263

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.2K

Per year

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

Sun Prairie, WI

Population:38K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$436K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$512K

Sun Prairie, WI

The Badger State

38K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 38K 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 Prairie, WI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Sun Prairie, WI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$703/mo	$601/mo	↓ $102less	14.5%
🏠Housing	$2,373/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $95.29more	4.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,347/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $62.96less	4.7%
⚡All Utilities	$497/mo	$546/mo	↑ $49.20more	9.9%
🛒Groceries	$939/mo	$959/mo	↑ $20.67more	2.2%
📦Other	$1,715/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $7.34less	0.4%

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.5%

Sun Prairie, WI

$703

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$102

less

🏠Housing

↑ 4.0%

Sun Prairie, WI

$2,373

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$95.29

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.7%

Sun Prairie, WI

$1,347

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$62.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.9%

Sun Prairie, WI

$497

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$49.20

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.2%

Sun Prairie, WI

$939

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$20.67

📦Other

↓ 0.4%

Sun Prairie, WI

$1,715

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$7.34

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,042

To$1,570

↑ $528

1 Bed

From$1,221

To$1,640

↑ $419

2 Bed

From$1,392

To$1,800

↑ $408

3 Bed

From$1,839

To$2,255

↑ $416

Sun Prairie, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,500/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.

$7,574

Monthly in Sun Prairie, WI

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7.38

Difference

Home Values

Sun Prairie

Raleigh

$436K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$436K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 17% more expensive than Sun Prairie

Calculate payment - Sun Prairie Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$144

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

Rate difference

Sun Prairie, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Sun Prairie, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

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.