Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

New York is 51% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,779/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 17%
$79,713/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 3%
$751,700 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 50%
$1,837/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 19%
8,516,202
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $2,711/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Raleigh — common questions

Is New York or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Raleigh?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Raleigh?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $2,711/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Raleigh details →

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