Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Raleigh is 6% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,468/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 9%
$82,424/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 9%
$377,800 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 31%
$1,487/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 6%
470,763
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $7,499/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Raleigh or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $7,499/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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Salt Lake City details →

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