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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Raleigh is 11% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,468/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 16%
$82,424/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 8%
$377,800 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 8%
$1,487/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 17%
470,763
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $6,341/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lancaster?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lancaster?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $6,341/year higher in Raleigh.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Lancaster details →

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