Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Raleigh is 3% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,468/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 21%
$82,424/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↓ 5%
$377,800 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 13%
$1,487/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↑ 1%
470,763
Population
220,453

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $4,287/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Raleigh or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $4,287/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 Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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