Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Raleigh is 25% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,468/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 8%
$82,424/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 18%
$377,800 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 38%
$1,487/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 9%
470,763
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $14,666/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Hampton — common questions

Is Raleigh or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Hampton?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Hampton?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $14,666/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Hampton details →

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