Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Walnut, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 33.5% cheaper than Walnut, CA. This translates to saving $2512 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Walnut, CA, you'd need approximately $119,856.663 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 51.8% cheaper than in Walnut, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,133/month in Walnut, CA.

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

Moving from Walnut, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2512 per month, or $30143 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Walnut, CA — COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area + state data

Current salary in Walnut, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 33.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,512

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.1K

Per year

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

Walnut, CA

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$833K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$512K

Walnut, CA

The Golden State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 27K 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: Walnut, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Walnut, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,117/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,648less	51.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,044/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $760less	37.2%
📦Other	$1,633/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $74.53more	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$537/mo	$601/mo	↑ $64.36more	12.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,011/mo	$959/mo	↓ $52.06less	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$542/mo	$546/mo	↑ $4.02more	0.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.8%

Walnut, CA

$5,117

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,648

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 37.2%

Walnut, CA

$2,044

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$760

less

📦Other

↑ 4.6%

Walnut, CA

$1,633

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$74.53

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.0%

Walnut, CA

$537

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$64.36

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.1%

Walnut, CA

$1,011

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$52.06

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.7%

Walnut, CA

$542

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$4.02

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,409

To$1,570

↑ $161

1 Bed

From$1,650

To$1,640

↓ $10.00

2 Bed

From$2,133

To$1,800

↓ $333

3 Bed

From$3,059

To$2,255

↓ $804

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.

$10,884

Monthly in Walnut, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,317

Difference

Home Values

Walnut

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

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

Walnut, 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

Walnut, 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.