Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Visalia, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.3% cheaper than Visalia, CA. This translates to saving $245 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Visalia, CA, you'd need approximately $147,062.922 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 8.4% more expensive than in Visalia, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,344/month in Visalia, CA.

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

Moving from Visalia, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $245 per month, or $2937 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Visalia, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fresno, CA area

Current salary in Visalia, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $245/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$245

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.9K

Per year

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

Visalia, CA

Population:145K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$392K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$512K

Visalia, CA

The Golden State

145K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 145K 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: Visalia, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Visalia, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,278/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $191more	8.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,422/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $138less	9.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$959/mo	↓ $110less	10.3%
🏥Healthcare	$493/mo	$601/mo	↑ $108more	22.0%
⚡All Utilities	$520/mo	$546/mo	↑ $25.98more	5.0%
📦Other	$1,695/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $12.78more	0.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.4%

Visalia, CA

$2,278

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$191

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.7%

Visalia, CA

$1,422

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$138

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.3%

Visalia, CA

$1,069

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 22.0%

Visalia, CA

$493

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$108

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.0%

Visalia, CA

$520

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$25.98

📦Other

↑ 0.8%

Visalia, CA

$1,695

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$12.78

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,016

To$1,570

↑ $554

1 Bed

From$1,024

To$1,640

↑ $616

2 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,800

↑ $456

3 Bed

From$1,852

To$2,255

↑ $403

Visalia, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,160–$1,350/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.

$7,477

Monthly in Visalia, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$89.62

Difference

Home Values

Visalia

Raleigh

$392K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$365K - $420K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 31% more expensive than Visalia

Calculate payment - Visalia 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

Visalia, 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

Visalia, 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.