Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Raleigh is 4% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to $72,170 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Raleigh sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $370,000 in Raleigh, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,500 in Raleigh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Raleigh scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are lower than Raleigh (108).
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $67,266 in Raleigh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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