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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Sacramento is 20% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,694/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 13%
$83,753/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 2%
$484,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 22%
$1,752/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 15%
524,802
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $1,329/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Sacramento or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Raleigh?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Raleigh?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $1,329/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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