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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Glendale

California
214

Raleigh is 49% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,468/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 43%
$82,424/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 2%
$377,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 176%
$1,487/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 49%
470,763
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $1,838/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh 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, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 214 (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 $2,095/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Glendale?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $1,838/year higher in Glendale.
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 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 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Glendale details →

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