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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Raleigh is 68% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,468/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 109%
$82,424/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 121%
$377,800 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 381%
$1,487/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 103%
470,763
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,597/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $19,164/year.

Median household income is $99,438/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Raleigh or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,597/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $99,438/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Sunnyvale details →

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