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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Raleigh is 64% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,468/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 103%
$82,424/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 111%
$377,800 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 304%
$1,487/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 105%
470,763
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,517/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $18,204/year.

Median household income is $91,246/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Raleigh or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,517/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $91,246/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Santa Clara

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