Pueblo vs Raleigh
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Pueblo
Raleigh
💡 The Verdict
Raleigh is 13% cheaper than Pueblo overall. A $75,000 salary in Pueblo is equivalent to $65,385 in Raleigh.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Pueblo (left) vs Raleigh (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Pueblo versus Raleigh. Differences shown from Pueblo perspective.
| Item | Pueblo | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,060/mo | $1,010/mo | +$50.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,600/mo | $1,500/mo | +$100.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,070/mo | $1,950/mo | +$120.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.20 | $2.89 | +$0.31 |
| Milk (gallon) | $4.21 | $3.88 | +$0.33 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.59 | $3.31 | +$0.28 |
| Coffee (latte) | $6.31 | $5.93 | +$0.38 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.59 | $3.37 | +$0.22 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17.33 | $18.36 | $-1.03 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Pueblo has the same purchasing power as $65,385 in Raleigh.
Conversely, $75,000 in Raleigh equals $86,029 in Pueblo.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
Both states have similar effective tax rates on this salary level. Colorado details → · North Carolina details →
Reading These Numbers: Pueblo (117) vs Raleigh (102)
Pueblo at 117 is 17% above the US average, while Raleigh at 102 is 2% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Pueblo, the composite index of 117 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 110, followed by groceries (111), utilities (120), transportation (119), and healthcare (110). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,600/mo in Pueblo and $1,500/mo in Raleigh, the annual rent difference is approximately $1,200.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $6,000.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $56,000.0 difference in median home prices between Pueblo and Raleigh translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Pueblo vs Raleigh
Choosing between Pueblo and Raleigh involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Pueblo and Raleigh can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.