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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Raleigh is 64% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,468/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 32%
$82,424/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 23%
$377,800 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 52%
$1,487/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 28%
470,763
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $19,160/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Laredo — common questions

Is Raleigh or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Laredo?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Laredo?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $19,160/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Laredo details →

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