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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Oceanside

California
179

Raleigh is 39% cheaper than Oceanside.

$1,468/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 50%
$82,424/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↑ 14%
$377,800 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 86%
$1,487/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 50%
470,763
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $739/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $8,868/year.

Median household income is $11,300/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Oceanside — common questions

Is Raleigh or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Oceanside?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $739/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Oceanside?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $11,300/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Oceanside

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines