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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Raleigh is 21% more expensive than College Station.

$1,468/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 20%
$82,424/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 37%
$377,800 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 14%
$1,487/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 16%
470,763
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $30,648/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs College Station — common questions

Is Raleigh or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and College Station?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or College Station?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $30,648/year higher in Raleigh.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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