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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Raleigh is 15% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,468/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 18%
$82,424/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 2%
$377,800 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 15%
$1,487/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 23%
470,763
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $1,273/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Raleigh or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Palmdale?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Palmdale?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $1,273/year higher in Raleigh.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Palmdale details →

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