Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Raleigh is 17% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $62,195 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Scottsdale (95).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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