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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Compare Vero Beach South, FL and Raleigh, NC using saved regional data and explicit budgeting assumptions. Rent estimates are not live listings. Change the salary below, then check the source notes before applying a result to your household.

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $261/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 3.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$261
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$3.1K
Per year

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

Vero Beach South, FL

Population:28K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$390K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:
103
(3% above avg)
Median Home:$512K

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Vero Beach South, FL

The Sunshine State

28K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 28K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • β€’Research Triangle
  • β€’State capital
  • β€’Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Vero Beach South, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Housing
↑ 11.5%
Vero Beach South, FL
$2,214
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$255
more
Transportation
↑ 9.9%
Vero Beach South, FL
$1,169
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$115
more
Other
↑ 3.8%
Vero Beach South, FL
$1,645
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$62.07
more
Healthcare
↑ 10.5%
Vero Beach South, FL
$544
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$57.20
more
Groceries
↓ 1.3%
Vero Beach South, FL
$972
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$13.07
less
All Utilities
↓ 0.2%
Vero Beach South, FL
$547
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$0.93
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$928
To$1,570
↑ $642
1 Bed
From$1,083
To$1,640
↑ $557
2 Bed
From$1,354
To$1,800
↑ $446
3 Bed
From$1,857
To$2,255
↑ $398
Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

πŸ’‘ 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.

$7,091
Monthly in Vero Beach South, FL
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$476
Difference

Home Values

Vero Beach South
Raleigh
-
Median Value
$512K
-
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
-
Price Range
$314K - $992K

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $7.1K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$594
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.7%
Rate difference

Vero Beach South, FL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Florida State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

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

Vero Beach South, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

πŸ’‘ 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.

🚢 Walkability

Modeled road attributes, not a safety assessment. Methodology and limitations

Environment

Vero Beach South
Raleigh
41 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
75.6%
Good Air Days
61.7%
98 High
Climate Risk
96 High
πŸŒŠπŸŒ€πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
β–²+2.3Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.8Β°F
58 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
31 days
β–²+2.3Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.8Β°F
58 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
31 days

What to Consider When Moving from Vero Beach South, FL to Raleigh, NC

Relocating from Vero Beach South, FL to Raleigh, NC involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 3% higher in Raleigh, NC, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Raleigh, NC is 12% more expensive than in Vero Beach South, FL. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Raleigh, NC pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Raleigh, NC to match your current standard of living in Vero Beach South, FL.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Raleigh, NC for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Vero Beach South, FL vs Raleigh, NC

How do the cost estimates for Vero Beach South, FL and Raleigh, NC compare?

The saved overall index for Raleigh, NC is 3.5% higher than for Vero Beach South, FL. This is a broad model comparison, not a survey of today's prices or a forecast of your household spending. Some cities use adjusted regional fallback data.

What does the equivalent salary mean?

At a $150,000 salary in Vero Beach South, FL, the model estimates $153,129 in Raleigh, NC. It assumes 60% of gross income changes with the relative cost index and 40% stays fixed. The monthly difference is the salary difference divided by 12; it is not take-home pay or guaranteed savings. Household size, childcare and your actual lease are not inputs to this calculation.

What rent estimates are available for Vero Beach South, FL and Raleigh, NC?

The modeled two-bedroom rents are $1,354/month in Vero Beach South, FL and $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC. Where available, the source is a city median of HUD FY2026 ZIP-level estimates; otherwise a saved metro table is used. City adjustments may also apply. These are not asking rents or available listings. Compare actual properties with the same bedroom count and included utilities.

How should I use this comparison before moving?

Use it to shortlist locations, then replace modeled costs with a current housing quote, employer-confirmed income, commute costs, insurance and your household's other expenses. Add one-time moving costs separately. Source years differ and the saved datasets are not a live price feed. Read the methodology for the formulas and fallback rules.

πŸ’° See how taxes change too β€” compare take-home pay between Florida and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

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