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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Philadelphia, PA

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

10.2% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
5.8% 5.8% more expensive housing
9.3% 9.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.8% more
Raleigh
104
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 9.3% more
Raleigh
97
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 16.7% more
Raleigh
96
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 5.0% more
Raleigh
100
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 10.2% more
Raleigh
98
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index9810810.2% more
Housing1041105.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,50011.1% more
Median Home Price$385,000$280,00027.3% less
Groceries971069.3% more
Transportation9611216.7% more
Healthcare1001055.0% more
Utilities9810810.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax4.50%3.07%
State Sales Tax4.75%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Philadelphia?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.