Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Raleigh is 3% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,468/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 7%
$82,424/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 13%
$377,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$375,300 ≈ Same
$1,487/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 4%
470,763
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $11,122/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Tampa — common questions

Is Raleigh or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Tampa?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Tampa?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $11,122/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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