Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Waco, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.1% more expensive than Waco, TX. This translates to spending an extra $308 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Waco, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $153,695.573 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Waco, TX and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 26.6% more expensive than in Waco, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Waco, TX to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $308 more per month than Waco, TX, or $3696 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waco, TX vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Waco, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Arlington, TX area

Current salary in Waco, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $308/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.7K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$308

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.7K

Per year

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

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Waco, TX

The Lone Star State

145K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 145K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: Waco, TX vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Waco, TX	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,950/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $519more	26.6%
📦Other	$1,576/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $131more	8.3%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$601/mo	↓ $24.88less	4.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $11.28more	0.9%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.96less	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$970/mo	$959/mo	↓ $10.53less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.6%

Waco, TX

$1,950

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$519

📦Other

↑ 8.3%

Waco, TX

$1,576

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$131

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.0%

Waco, TX

$626

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$24.88

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.9%

Waco, TX

$1,273

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$11.28

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Waco, TX

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.96

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.1%

Waco, TX

$970

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$10.53

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$709

To$1,570

↑ $861

1 Bed

From$834

To$1,640

↑ $806

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$1,800

↑ $766

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$2,255

↑ $921

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/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.

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$615

Difference

Home Values

Waco

Raleigh

$241K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 112% more expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Waco, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

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

Waco, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.