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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Concord

California
187

Raleigh is 41% cheaper than Concord.

$1,468/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 52%
$82,424/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 32%
$377,800 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 100%
$1,487/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 54%
470,763
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $26,771/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Concord — common questions

Is Raleigh or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Concord?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Concord?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $26,771/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Concord details →

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