Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Raleigh is 4% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $72,170 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Tempe (95).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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