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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Raleigh is 8% more expensive than Irving.

$1,468/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↑ 3%
$82,424/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↓ 3%
$377,800 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 24%
$1,487/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 2%
470,763
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,783/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Irving — common questions

Is Raleigh or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Irving?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Irving?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $2,783/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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Irving details →

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