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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Raleigh is 40% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,468/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 42%
$82,424/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 10%
$377,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 104%
$1,487/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 46%
470,763
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $8,159/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Raleigh or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Anaheim?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Anaheim?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $8,159/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Anaheim details →

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