Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Salt Lake City, UT

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Salt Lake City, UT

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

7.1% Salt Lake City, UT is more expensive overall
15.4% 15.4% more expensive 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 15.4% more
Raleigh
104
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 10.2% cheaper
Raleigh
98
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index981057.1% more
Housing10412015.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$385,000$475,00023.4% more
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities988810.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Salt Lake City, UT
State Income Tax4.50%4.65%
State Sales Tax4.75%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Salt Lake City204,657

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → Salt Lake City vs Portland → Salt Lake City vs Phoenix → Salt Lake City vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 15.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Salt Lake City?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $73,000 in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Utah averages 0.52%.