Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Raleigh is 8% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $68,919 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Reno (96).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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