Raleigh, NC vs Santa Ana, CA: 110 vs 163

$1,468/mo ↓ 26%

Median Rent

$1,975/mo ↑ 35%

$82,424/yr ↓ 7%

Median Income

$88,354/yr ↑ 7%

$377,800 ↓ 43%

Home Value

$657,800 ↑ 74%

$1,487/mo ↓ 24%

Owner Costs

$1,965/mo ↑ 32%

470,763

Population

311,639

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $5,930/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Raleigh or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Santa Ana?

Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $507/month.

Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Santa Ana?

Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $5,930/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana?

It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Raleigh

Santa Ana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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