Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Raleigh is 8% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,468/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 16%
$82,424/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 16%
$377,800 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 2%
$1,487/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 12%
470,763
Population
119,508

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
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $13,163/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Raleigh or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $13,163/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 West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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