Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs San Jose, CA

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

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

53.1% San Jose, CA is more expensive overall
106.7% 106.7% more expensive housing
15.5% 15.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 106.7% more
Raleigh
104
San Jose
215
🛒 Groceries 15.5% more
Raleigh
97
San Jose
112
🚗 Transportation 25.0% more
Raleigh
96
San Jose
120
🏥 Healthcare 16.0% more
Raleigh
100
San Jose
116
⚡ Utilities 12.2% more
Raleigh
98
San Jose
110

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC San Jose, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9815053.1% more
Housing104215106.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,800107.4% more
Median Home Price$385,000$1,350,000250.6% more
Groceries9711215.5% more
Transportation9612025.0% more
Healthcare10011616.0% more
Utilities9811012.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
$140,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Jose outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs San Jose (150). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
San Jose3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
San Jose3.5%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
San JoseTech, Hardware, SaaS

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
San Jose29 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
San Jose50
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
San Jose40
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
San Jose60°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
San Jose983,489

Moving from Raleigh to San Jose?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → San Jose vs Portland → San Jose vs Phoenix → San Jose vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or San Jose cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 106.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs San Jose?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $2,800/month in San Jose — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or San Jose?+
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 Jose?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $140,000 in San Jose. 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 Jose?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $1,350,000 in San Jose — a difference of $965,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while California averages 0.71%.