Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Raleigh is 33% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,468/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 10%
$82,424/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 11%
$377,800 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 45%
$1,487/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 16%
470,763
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $9,394/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Odessa — common questions

Is Raleigh or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Odessa?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Odessa?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $9,394/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Odessa details →

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