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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Ventura

California
183

Raleigh is 40% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,468/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 43%
$82,424/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 22%
$377,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 106%
$1,487/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 42%
470,763
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $17,983/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Ventura — common questions

Is Raleigh or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Ventura?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Ventura?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $17,983/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Ventura details →

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