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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Sacramento, CA

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

20.4% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
36.5% 36.5% more expensive housing
7.2% 7.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.5% more
Raleigh
104
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 7.2% more
Raleigh
97
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 16.7% more
Raleigh
96
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% more
Raleigh
100
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9811820.4% more
Housing10414236.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$385,000$450,00016.9% more
Groceries971047.2% more
Transportation9611216.7% more
Healthcare1001088.0% more
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Sacramento, 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
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento 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 Sacramento to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 36.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Sacramento?+
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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while California averages 0.71%.