Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Orlando, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

Raleigh is 4% cheaper than Orlando.

$1,468/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↑ 12%
$82,424/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↓ 16%
$377,800 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$359,000 ↓ 5%
$1,487/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↑ 9%
470,763
Population
311,732

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $13,156/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Orlando — common questions

Is Raleigh or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Orlando?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Orlando?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $13,156/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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