Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Raleigh and Eugene have a similar cost of living.

$1,468/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 8%
$82,424/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 23%
$377,800 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 15%
$1,487/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 4%
470,763
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $18,588/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Eugene — common questions

Is Raleigh or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Eugene?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Eugene?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $18,588/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Eugene details →

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