Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Tucson, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.0% cheaper than Tucson, AZ. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tucson, AZ, you'd need approximately $149,081.633 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 8.0% more expensive than in Tucson, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ.

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

Moving from Tucson, AZ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $77 per month, or $918 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tucson, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $76.53/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$76.53

Savings

Annual Impact

$918

Per year

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

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$327K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$512K

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 548K 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: Tucson, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Tucson, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $182more	8.0%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $151less	8.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$546/mo	↑ $60.11more	12.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $40.98less	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.0%

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$182

📦Other

↓ 8.1%

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$151

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.4%

Tucson, AZ

$486

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.11

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.1%

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

Tucson, AZ

$570

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,570

↑ $560

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,640

↑ $510

2 Bed

From$1,460

To$1,800

↑ $340

3 Bed

From$2,030

To$2,255

↑ $225

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/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.

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$11.41

Difference

Home Values

Tucson

Raleigh

$327K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$229K - $722K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 56% more expensive than Tucson

Calculate payment - Tucson 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

Tucson, 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

Tucson, 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.