Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Raleigh is 16% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$1,468/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 2%
$82,424/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 24%
$377,800 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 30%
$1,487/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 11%
470,763
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,094/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $20,094/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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