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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Los Angeles, CA

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

38.8% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
71.2% 71.2% more expensive housing
13.4% 13.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 71.2% more
Raleigh
104
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 13.4% more
Raleigh
97
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 30.2% more
Raleigh
96
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 12.0% more
Raleigh
100
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 7.1% more
Raleigh
98
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9813638.8% more
Housing10417871.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,50085.2% more
Median Home Price$385,000$880,000128.6% more
Groceries9711013.4% more
Transportation9612530.2% more
Healthcare10011212.0% more
Utilities981057.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Los Angeles, CA
State Income Tax4.50%13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Los Angeles costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Los Angeles to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from Raleigh to Los Angeles?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → Los Angeles vs Portland → Los Angeles vs Phoenix → Los Angeles vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 71.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Los Angeles?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Raleigh to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. 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 Raleigh vs Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $495,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while California averages 0.71%.