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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Raleigh is 52% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,468/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 63%
$82,424/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 34%
$377,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 179%
$1,487/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 66%
470,763
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $927/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $11,124/year.

Median household income is $27,649/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Raleigh or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $927/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $27,649/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Costa Mesa details →

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