Cost of Living: Orange, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Orange

California
206
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Orange is 182% more expensive than High Point.

$2,252/mo ↑ 112%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 53%
$116,945/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 48%
$900,700 ↑ 324%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 76%
$2,394/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 55%
138,723
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,190/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $14,280/year.

Median household income is $55,717/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs High Point — common questions

Is Orange or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and High Point?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,190/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or High Point?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $55,717/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Orange details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and High Point

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles