Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Raleigh is 16% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,468/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 2%
$82,424/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 35%
$377,800 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 34%
$1,487/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 2%
470,763
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and New Haven, CT, 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 $28,653/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs New Haven — common questions

Is Raleigh or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and New Haven?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or New Haven?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $28,653/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View New Haven details →

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