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

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

51.0% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
101.9% 101.9% more expensive housing
18.6% 18.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 101.9% more
Raleigh
104
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 18.6% more
Raleigh
97
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 33.3% more
Raleigh
96
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 18.0% more
Raleigh
100
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 10.2% more
Raleigh
98
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9814851.0% more
Housing104210101.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$3,000122.2% more
Median Home Price$385,000$1,250,000224.7% more
Groceries9711518.6% more
Transportation9612833.3% more
Healthcare10011818.0% more
Utilities9810810.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Francisco to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 101.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or San Francisco?+
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 Francisco?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. 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 Francisco?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $865,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while California averages 0.71%.