Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Union City, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 42.0% cheaper than Union City, CA. This translates to saving $3151 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Union City, CA, you'd need approximately $112,183.04 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 63.1% cheaper than in Union City, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,670/month in Union City, CA.

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

Moving from Union City, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3151 per month, or $37817 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Union City, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Union City, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Union City, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,151

Savings

Annual Impact

$37.8K

Per year

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

Union City, CA

Population:65K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.22M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$512K

Union City, CA

The Golden State

65K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 65K 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: Union City, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Union City, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,688/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $4,219less	63.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,114/mo	$959/mo	↓ $154less	13.9%
🏥Healthcare	$697/mo	$601/mo	↓ $95.60less	13.7%
⚡All Utilities	$458/mo	$546/mo	↑ $88.36more	19.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,368/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $84.46less	6.2%
📦Other	$1,775/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $67.28less	3.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.1%

Union City, CA

$6,688

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$4,219

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.9%

Union City, CA

$1,114

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$154

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.7%

Union City, CA

$697

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$95.60

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.3%

Union City, CA

$458

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$88.36

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.2%

Union City, CA

$1,368

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$84.46

less

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Union City, CA

$1,775

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$67.28

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,968

To$1,570

↓ $398

1 Bed

From$2,183

To$1,640

↓ $543

2 Bed

From$2,670

To$1,800

↓ $870

3 Bed

From$3,414

To$2,255

↓ $1,159

Union City, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,640–$2,640/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.

$12,100

Monthly in Union City, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,533

Difference

Home Values

Union City

Raleigh

$1.22M

Median Value

$512K

↓ -5.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +28.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.22M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 58% less expensive than Union City

Calculate payment - Union City 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

Union City, 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

Union City, 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.