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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Raleigh is 20% cheaper than Allen.

$1,468/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 28%
$82,424/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 57%
$377,800 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 14%
$1,487/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 40%
470,763
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $46,706/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Allen — common questions

Is Raleigh or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Allen?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Allen?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $46,706/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Allen details →

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