Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Torrance, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 26.2% cheaper than Torrance, CA. This translates to saving $1966 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Torrance, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Torrance, CA, you'd need approximately $126,411.164 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Torrance, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 42.6% cheaper than in Torrance, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,500/month in Torrance, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Torrance, CA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Torrance, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1966 per month, or $23589 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Torrance, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Torrance, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Long Beach, CA area

Current salary in Torrance, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,966

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.6K

Per year

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

Torrance, CA

Population:139K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$973K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$512K

Torrance, CA

The Golden State

139K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 139K 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: Torrance, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Torrance, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,304/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,836less	42.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,102/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $818less	38.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,025/mo	$959/mo	↓ $66.20less	6.5%
🏥Healthcare	$544/mo	$601/mo	↑ $56.86more	10.4%
📦Other	$1,679/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $28.55more	1.7%
⚡All Utilities	$550/mo	$546/mo	↓ $3.56less	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 42.6%

Torrance, CA

$4,304

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,836

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.9%

Torrance, CA

$2,102

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$818

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.5%

Torrance, CA

$1,025

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$66.20

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.4%

Torrance, CA

$544

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$56.86

📦Other

↑ 1.7%

Torrance, CA

$1,679

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$28.55

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.6%

Torrance, CA

$550

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$3.56

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,788

To$1,570

↓ $218

1 Bed

From$2,003

To$1,640

↓ $363

2 Bed

From$2,500

To$1,800

↓ $700

3 Bed

From$3,170

To$2,255

↓ $915

Torrance, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,050–$2,530/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.

$10,204

Monthly in Torrance, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,637

Difference

Home Values

Torrance

Raleigh

$973K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +27.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$726K - $1.38M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 47% less expensive than Torrance

Calculate payment - Torrance Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Torrance, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Torrance, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.