Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Wasco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.3% more expensive than Wasco, CA. This translates to spending an extra $400 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Wasco, CA, you'd need approximately $154,800.49 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 18.0% more expensive than in Wasco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,054/month in Wasco, CA.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $400 more per month than Wasco, CA, or $4800 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wasco, CA — COL adjusted from Fresno, CA area + state data

Current salary in Wasco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $400/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$400

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.8K

Per year

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

Wasco, CA

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$319K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Wasco, 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: Wasco, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Wasco, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,092/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $377more	18.0%
📦Other	$1,556/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $151more	9.7%
🏥Healthcare	$472/mo	$601/mo	↑ $129more	27.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,025/mo	$959/mo	↓ $65.63less	6.4%
⚡All Utilities	$499/mo	$546/mo	↑ $47.67more	9.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,306/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $22.27less	1.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 18.0%

Wasco, CA

$2,092

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$377

📦Other

↑ 9.7%

Wasco, CA

$1,556

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$151

🏥Healthcare

↑ 27.3%

Wasco, CA

$472

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$129

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Wasco, CA

$1,025

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$65.63

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Wasco, CA

$499

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$47.67

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.7%

Wasco, CA

$1,306

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$22.27

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$715

To$1,570

↑ $855

1 Bed

From$828

To$1,640

↑ $812

2 Bed

From$1,054

To$1,800

↑ $746

3 Bed

From$1,430

To$2,255

↑ $825

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.

$6,950

Monthly in Wasco, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$617

Difference

Home Values

Wasco

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

Wasco, 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

Wasco, 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.