Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Tempe, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 8.5% cheaper than Tempe, AZ. This translates to saving $637 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Tempe, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Tempe, AZ, you'd need approximately $142,358.491 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tempe, AZ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 13.6% cheaper than in Tempe, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ.

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

Moving from Tempe, AZ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $637 per month, or $7642 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tempe, AZ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Tempe, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chandler, AZ area

Current salary in Tempe, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $637/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$637

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

Per year

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

Tempe, AZ

Population:190K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$452K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$512K

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 190K 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: Tempe, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Tempe, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,859/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $390less	13.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $205less	13.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$546/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 13.6%

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$390

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$205

less

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Tempe, AZ

$1,774

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Tempe, AZ

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Tempe, AZ

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Tempe, AZ

$546

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,620

To$1,570

↓ $50.00

1 Bed

From$1,760

To$1,640

↓ $120

2 Bed

From$2,045

To$1,800

↓ $245

3 Bed

From$2,725

To$2,255

↓ $470

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/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.

$8,216

Monthly in Tempe, AZ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$649

Difference

Home Values

Tempe

Raleigh

$452K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +27.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$397K - $701K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 13% more expensive than Tempe

Calculate payment - Tempe 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

Tempe, 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

Tempe, 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.