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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Raleigh is 10% more expensive than Denton.

$1,468/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 8%
$82,424/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 11%
$377,800 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 14%
$1,487/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 2%
470,763
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $8,705/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Denton — common questions

Is Raleigh or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Denton?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Denton?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $8,705/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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