Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Tampa, FL. This translates to saving $437 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Tampa, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tampa, FL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 8.7% cheaper than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tampa, FL to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Tampa, FL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Tampa, FL

Tap to swap

Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $437/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$367K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

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: Tampa, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Tampa, FL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $234less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $100less	5.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$959/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.4%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$546/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.7%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$234

less

📦Other

↓ 5.6%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$100

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$59.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

Tampa, FL

$570

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Tampa, FL

$574

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

less

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$1,570

↓ $280

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,640

↓ $320

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$1,800

↓ $490

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$2,255

↓ $675

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$391

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Raleigh

$367K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 40% more expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa 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

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.