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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Raleigh is 52% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,468/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 65%
$82,424/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 45%
$377,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 177%
$1,487/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 64%
470,763
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $37,461/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Raleigh or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $37,461/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Huntington Beach details →

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