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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs San Diego, CA

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

34.7% San Diego, CA is more expensive overall
61.5% 61.5% more expensive housing
11.3% 11.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 61.5% more
Raleigh
104
San Diego
168
🛒 Groceries 11.3% more
Raleigh
97
San Diego
108
🚗 Transportation 22.9% more
Raleigh
96
San Diego
118
🏥 Healthcare 12.0% more
Raleigh
100
San Diego
112
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Raleigh
98
San Diego
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC San Diego, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9813234.7% more
Housing10416861.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,30070.4% more
Median Home Price$385,000$820,000113.0% more
Groceries9710811.3% more
Transportation9611822.9% more
Healthcare10011212.0% more
Utilities981046.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC San Diego, 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
San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Diego 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 San Diego to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs San Diego (132). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
San Diego4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
San Diego2.9%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
San Diego25 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
San Diego51
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
San Diego45
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
San Diego64°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
San Diego1,381,611

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or San Diego cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 61.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs San Diego?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $2,300/month in San Diego — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or San Diego?+
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 San Diego?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $89,000 in San Diego. 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 San Diego?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $820,000 in San Diego — a difference of $435,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while California averages 0.71%.