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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Oakland

California
195

Raleigh is 85% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,468/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 31%
$82,424/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 18%
$377,800 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 145%
$1,487/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 46%
470,763
Population
438,072

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $449/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $5,388/year.

Median household income is $14,945/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Oakland — common questions

Is Raleigh or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Oakland?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $449/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Oakland?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $14,945/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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