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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Modesto

California
120

Raleigh is 8% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,468/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 10%
$82,424/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 5%
$377,800 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 10%
$1,487/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 8%
470,763
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $4,525/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Modesto — common questions

Is Raleigh or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Modesto?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Modesto?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $4,525/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Modesto details →

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