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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Miami

Florida
129

Raleigh is 19% cheaper than Miami.

$1,468/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,657/mo ↑ 13%
$82,424/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$59,390/yr ↓ 28%
$377,800 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$475,200 ↑ 26%
$1,487/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,666/mo ↑ 12%
470,763
Population
446,663

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Miami, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 129 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $23,034/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $475,200 in Miami.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Miami — common questions

Is Raleigh or Miami cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Miami?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Miami it's $1,657/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Miami?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $59,390 in Miami. Median household income is $23,034/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 Miami?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Miami has a cost index of 129 with rent of $1,657/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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