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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Richmond

California
161

Raleigh is 32% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,468/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 29%
$82,424/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 9%
$377,800 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 72%
$1,487/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 36%
470,763
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $7,614/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Richmond — common questions

Is Raleigh or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Richmond?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Richmond?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $7,614/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Richmond details →

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