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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Raleigh is 29% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,468/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 37%
$82,424/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 9%
$377,800 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 48%
$1,487/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 38%
470,763
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $545/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $6,540/year.

Median household income is $7,072/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Raleigh or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Vallejo?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $545/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Vallejo?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $7,072/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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