Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Pearland, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Raleigh is 9% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,468/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 20%
$82,424/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 36%
$377,800 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 12%
$1,487/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 32%
470,763
Population
125,983

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $30,046/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Pearland — common questions

Is Raleigh or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Pearland?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Pearland?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $30,046/year higher in Pearland.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Pearland details →

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