Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Raleigh is 39% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,468/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 14%
$82,424/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 21%
$377,800 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 46%
$1,487/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 21%
470,763
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $17,232/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Raleigh or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Dearborn?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Dearborn?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $17,232/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Dearborn details →

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