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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Raleigh is 44% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,468/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 45%
$82,424/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 26%
$377,800 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 128%
$1,487/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 51%
470,763
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $21,795/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Raleigh or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fullerton?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fullerton?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $21,795/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Fullerton details →

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