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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Ontario

California
152

Raleigh is 28% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,468/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 31%
$82,424/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$82,806/yr ≈ Same
$377,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 50%
$1,487/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 32%
470,763
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $382/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Ontario — common questions

Is Raleigh or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Ontario?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Ontario?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $382/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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