Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Austin is 22% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,655/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 11%
$91,461/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 10%
$512,700 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 26%
$1,747/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 15%
967,862
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $9,037/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Austin or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Raleigh?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Raleigh?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $9,037/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Raleigh details →

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