Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Raleigh is 8% more expensive than Glendale.

$1,468/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 5%
$82,424/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 15%
$377,800 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$347,000 ↓ 8%
$1,487/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 9%
470,763
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $12,285/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Glendale — common questions

Is Raleigh or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Glendale?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Glendale?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $12,285/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Glendale details →

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