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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Raleigh, NC

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

4.9% Raleigh, NC is cheaper overall
11.9% 11.9% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.9% cheaper
Austin
118
Raleigh
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Raleigh
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Raleigh
96
🏥 Healthcare 3.1% more
Austin
97
Raleigh
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Raleigh
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Raleigh, NC Difference
Overall Cost Index103984.9% less
Housing11810411.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$425,000$385,0009.4% less
Groceries9697~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare971003.1% more
Utilities9998~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Raleigh, NC
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.50%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.70%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Raleigh costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Raleigh to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Raleigh (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Raleigh3.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Raleigh3.9%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Raleigh24 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Raleigh30
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Raleigh35
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Raleigh60°F
Population
Austin979,882
Raleigh469,698

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Raleigh → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Raleigh →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Portland → Raleigh vs Phoenix → Raleigh vs Chicago → Raleigh vs Miami →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Raleigh cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 11.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Raleigh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,350/month in Raleigh — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Raleigh?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Raleigh?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $78,000 in Raleigh. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Raleigh?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $385,000 in Raleigh — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while North Carolina averages 0.70%.