Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Raleigh is 112% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,468/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 40%
$82,424/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 42%
$377,800 ↑ 253%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 72%
$1,487/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 42%
470,763
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $34,892/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Toledo — common questions

Is Raleigh or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Toledo?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Toledo?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $34,892/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Ohio?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Toledo details →

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