Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Los Angeles is 70% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,879/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 22%
$80,366/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 3%
$879,500 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 57%
$2,055/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 28%
3,857,897
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $2,058/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Raleigh?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Raleigh?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $2,058/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Raleigh details →

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