Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Grand Prairie, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Grand Prairie

Texas
98

Raleigh is 12% more expensive than Grand Prairie.

$1,468/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,470/mo ≈ Same
$82,424/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$78,889/yr ↓ 4%
$377,800 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$272,200 ↓ 28%
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,480/mo ≈ Same
470,763
Population
198,564

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Grand Prairie, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,535/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $272,200 in Grand Prairie.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Grand Prairie residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Grand Prairie — common questions

Is Raleigh or Grand Prairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Prairie is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Grand Prairie it's $1,470/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Grand Prairie?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $78,889 in Grand Prairie. Median household income is $3,535/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Grand Prairie?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,470/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Grand Prairie details →

More Comparisons

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