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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Raleigh is 56% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,468/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 45%
$82,424/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 32%
$377,800 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 258%
$1,487/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 57%
470,763
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $659/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $7,908/year.

Median household income is $26,134/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Raleigh or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Berkeley?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $659/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Berkeley?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $26,134/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Berkeley

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach