Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Raleigh is 7% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,468/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 9%
$82,424/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$81,798/yr ≈ Same
$377,800 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 28%
$1,487/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 4%
470,763
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $626/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Raleigh or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and South Fulton?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or South Fulton?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $626/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View South Fulton details →

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