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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs New York, NY

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

48.0% New York, NY is more expensive overall
87.5% 87.5% more expensive housing
19.6% 19.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 87.5% more
Raleigh
104
New York
195
🛒 Groceries 19.6% more
Raleigh
97
New York
116
🚗 Transportation 35.4% more
Raleigh
96
New York
130
🏥 Healthcare 15.0% more
Raleigh
100
New York
115
⚡ Utilities 14.3% more
Raleigh
98
New York
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC New York, NY Difference
Overall Cost Index9814548.0% more
Housing10419587.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$3,200137.0% more
Median Home Price$385,000$750,00094.8% more
Groceries9711619.6% more
Transportation9613035.4% more
Healthcare10011515.0% more
Utilities9811214.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC New York, NY
State Income Tax4.50%10.90% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.40%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
New York, NY
$115,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: New York 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 New York to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs New York (145). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
New York5.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
New York2.8%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
New York41 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
New York89
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
New York48
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
New York55°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
New York8,258,035

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or New York cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 87.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs New York?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $3,200/month in New York — a difference of about $1,850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or New York?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 New York?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $115,000 in New York. 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 New York?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $750,000 in New York — a difference of $365,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while New York averages 1.40%.