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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Raleigh is 50% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,468/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 51%
$82,424/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 26%
$377,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 177%
$1,487/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 57%
470,763
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $750/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $9,000/year.

Median household income is $21,354/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Raleigh or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Pasadena?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $750/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Pasadena?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $21,354/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Pasadena details →

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