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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Orange

California
206

Raleigh is 47% cheaper than Orange.

$1,468/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 53%
$82,424/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 42%
$377,800 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 138%
$1,487/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 61%
470,763
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $784/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $9,408/year.

Median household income is $34,521/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Orange — common questions

Is Raleigh or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Orange?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $784/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Orange?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $34,521/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Orange details →

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