Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Westfield, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.4% cheaper than Westfield, NJ. This translates to saving $406 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Westfield, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Westfield, NJ, you'd need approximately $145,125.296 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Westfield, NJ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 27.8% more expensive than in Westfield, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,470/month in Westfield, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Westfield, NJ to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Westfield, NJ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $406 per month, or $4875 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Westfield, NJ vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Westfield, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Westfield, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $406/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$406

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.9K

Per year

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

Westfield, NJ

Population:31K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.23M

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$512K

Westfield, NJ

The Garden State

31K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 31K 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: Westfield, NJ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Westfield, NJ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,932/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $537more	27.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,518/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $234less	15.4%
📦Other	$1,923/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $216less	11.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,071/mo	$959/mo	↓ $112less	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$670/mo	$601/mo	↓ $69.18less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$580/mo	$546/mo	↓ $33.97less	5.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 27.8%

Westfield, NJ

$1,932

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$537

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.4%

Westfield, NJ

$1,518

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$234

less

📦Other

↓ 11.2%

Westfield, NJ

$1,923

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$216

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.4%

Westfield, NJ

$1,071

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$112

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.3%

Westfield, NJ

$670

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$69.18

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.9%

Westfield, NJ

$580

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$33.97

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,808

To$1,570

↓ $238

1 Bed

From$2,042

To$1,640

↓ $402

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,800

↓ $670

3 Bed

From$3,091

To$2,255

↓ $836

Westfield, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,530–$2,530/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.

$7,695

Monthly in Westfield, NJ

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$128

Difference

Home Values

Westfield

Raleigh

$1.23M

Median Value

$512K

↑ +6.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$1.23M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 58% less expensive than Westfield

Calculate payment - Westfield Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $306

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Westfield, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Westfield, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.