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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fremont

California
278

Raleigh is 60% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,468/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 98%
$82,424/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 114%
$377,800 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 241%
$1,487/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 102%
470,763
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,437/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $17,244/year.

Median household income is $93,926/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fremont — common questions

Is Raleigh or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fremont?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,437/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fremont?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $93,926/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Fremont details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Fremont

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah