Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Provo, UT (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Raleigh is 8% more expensive than Provo.

$1,468/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 22%
$82,424/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 24%
$377,800 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 16%
$1,487/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 18%
470,763
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $19,624/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Provo — common questions

Is Raleigh or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Provo?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Provo?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $19,624/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Utah?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Provo details →

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