Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Raleigh is 90% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,468/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 34%
$82,424/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 37%
$377,800 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 68%
$1,487/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 34%
470,763
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $30,254/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lansing — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lansing?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lansing?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $30,254/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Lansing details →

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