Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Raleigh is 18% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,468/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 3%
$82,424/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 17%
$377,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 62%
$1,487/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 2%
470,763
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,046/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Raleigh or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $14,046/year higher in Raleigh.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and East Los Angeles

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo