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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Irvine

California
256

Raleigh is 57% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,468/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 97%
$82,424/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 57%
$377,800 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 195%
$1,487/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 95%
470,763
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,425/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $17,100/year.

Median household income is $47,223/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Irvine — common questions

Is Raleigh or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Irvine?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,425/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Irvine?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $47,223/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Irvine details →

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