Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Reno, NV (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Raleigh is 10% cheaper than Reno.

$1,468/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 1%
$82,424/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 5%
$377,800 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 32%
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ≈ Same
470,763
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,976/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Reno — common questions

Is Raleigh or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Reno?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Reno?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $3,976/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Nevada?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Reno details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Reno

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock