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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Raleigh is 37% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,468/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 59%
$82,424/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 33%
$377,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 61%
$1,487/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 60%
470,763
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $27,356/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Raleigh or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Murrieta?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Murrieta?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $27,356/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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