Raleigh vs San Francisco

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries

Living in Raleigh vs San Francisco

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while San Francisco sits at 327 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $1,200,000 in San Francisco, a difference of $830,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $3,400 in San Francisco.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Raleigh scores 100 while San Francisco scores 112.

Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are lower than San Francisco (113).

Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $119,136 in San Francisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.

Relocating: Raleigh vs San Francisco

If you are considering a move between Raleigh (index: 102) and San Francisco (index: 190), the 46% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Raleigh is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Raleigh can afford $1,570/month, while the median household in San Francisco can afford $2,780/month. With median homes at $370,000 in Raleigh versus $1,200,000 in San Francisco, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $1,500/month in Raleigh and $3,400/month in San Francisco, renters save significantly in Raleigh. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Raleigh. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Raleigh (102) vs San Francisco (190)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Raleigh at 102 is 2% above the US average, while San Francisco at 190 is 90% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,500/month in Raleigh and $3,400/month in San Francisco, the annual rent difference is approximately $22,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $114,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $830,000 difference in median home prices between Raleigh and San Francisco translates to roughly $49,800 per month 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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