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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Raleigh is 44% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,468/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 69%
$82,424/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 45%
$377,800 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 91%
$1,487/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 78%
470,763
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,018/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $12,216/year.

Median household income is $37,502/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Raleigh or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,018/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $37,502/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Santa Clarita details →

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