Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Raleigh is 17% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,468/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 4%
$82,424/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 31%
$377,800 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 33%
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ≈ Same
470,763
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $25,840/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Raleigh or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $25,840/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

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