Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Valparaiso, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.9% more expensive than Valparaiso, IN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Valparaiso, IN?

If you earn $150,000 in Valparaiso, IN, you'd need approximately $150,840.474 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Valparaiso, IN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 0.6% more expensive than in Valparaiso, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,020/month in Valparaiso, IN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Valparaiso, IN to Raleigh, NC?

Valparaiso, IN and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Valparaiso, IN vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Valparaiso, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Valparaiso, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $70.04/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$70.04

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$840

Per year

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

Valparaiso, IN

Population:35K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$333K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

Valparaiso, IN

The Hoosier State

35K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 35K 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: Valparaiso, IN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Valparaiso, IN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,494/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $210less	14.0%
📦Other	$1,563/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $145more	9.3%
⚡All Utilities	$489/mo	$546/mo	↑ $56.97more	11.6%
🏥Healthcare	$561/mo	$601/mo	↑ $40.17more	7.2%
🏠Housing	$2,454/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $15.24more	0.6%
🛒Groceries	$970/mo	$959/mo	↓ $11.15less	1.1%

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.0%

Valparaiso, IN

$1,494

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$210

less

📦Other

↑ 9.3%

Valparaiso, IN

$1,563

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$145

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.6%

Valparaiso, IN

$489

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$56.97

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.2%

Valparaiso, IN

$561

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$40.17

🏠Housing

↑ 0.6%

Valparaiso, IN

$2,454

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$15.24

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.1%

Valparaiso, IN

$970

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$11.15

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$741

To$1,570

↑ $829

1 Bed

From$839

To$1,640

↑ $801

2 Bed

From$1,020

To$1,800

↑ $780

3 Bed

From$1,247

To$2,255

↑ $1,008

Valparaiso, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$1,110/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.

$7,531

Monthly in Valparaiso, IN

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$36.43

Difference

Home Values

Valparaiso

Raleigh

$333K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +31.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$333K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 54% more expensive than Valparaiso

Calculate payment - Valparaiso Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$190

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Valparaiso, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

Valparaiso, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.