Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Raleigh is 20% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $59,766 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Sacramento (106).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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