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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area
Overall Cost
↓ 28.1%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,105
Savings
Annual Impact
$25.3K
Per year

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

Vista, CA

Population:98K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$819K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:
72
(28% below avg)
Median Home:$512K

Vista, CA

The Golden State

98K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 98K 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: Vista, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Housing
↓ 43.9%
Vista, CA
$4,402
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$1,933
less
Transportation
↓ 12.7%
Vista, CA
$1,471
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$187
less
Groceries
↓ 8.1%
Vista, CA
$1,044
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$85.01
less
All Utilities
↓ 10.9%
Vista, CA
$613
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$66.93
less
Other
↓ 3.6%
Vista, CA
$1,771
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$63.78
less
Healthcare
↓ 2.7%
Vista, CA
$618
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$16.54
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,735
To$1,570
↓ $165
1 Bed
From$1,866
To$1,640
↓ $226
2 Bed
From$2,276
To$1,800
↓ $476
3 Bed
From$3,032
To$2,255
↓ $777
Vista, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,280–$2,410/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.

$9,919
Monthly in Vista, CA
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$2,352
Difference

Home Values

Vista
Raleigh
$819K
Median Value
$512K
↓ -1.6%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +40.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$763K - $876K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 38% less expensive than Vista

Calculate payment - VistaCalculate 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

Vista, 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

Vista, 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.

Environment

Vista
Raleigh
71 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
12.8%
Good Air Days
61.7%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
96 High
🔥🌊🌡
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
1 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+2.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
1 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

What to Consider When Moving from Vista, CA to Raleigh, NC

Relocating from Vista, CA to Raleigh, NC involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 28% lower 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 44% cheaper than in Vista, CA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — 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 Vista, CA.

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 “feel” 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 — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Vista, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Vista, CA?

Yes, Raleigh, NC is about 28.1% cheaper than Vista, CA. You could save approximately $2,105/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 44% lower in Raleigh, NC.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to match my lifestyle in Vista, CA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Vista, CA, you would need approximately $124,744 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Vista, CA and Raleigh, NC?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,276/month in Vista, CA compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC. One-bedroom apartments are $1,866/month in Vista, CA vs $1,640/month in Raleigh, NC. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Vista, CA or Raleigh, NC?

Groceries are about 8% cheaper in Raleigh, NC than in Vista, CA, saving a typical household roughly $85.01/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Vista, CA to Raleigh, NC?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between California and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Vista, CA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $2,661/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $2,661/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $2,550/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $2,494/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $2,494/mo

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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