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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

San Diego is 79% more expensive than Raleigh.

$2,223/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 34%
$104,321/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 21%
$848,500 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 55%
$2,308/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 36%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $21,897/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Raleigh — common questions

Is San Diego or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Raleigh?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Raleigh?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $21,897/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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.
View San Diego details → View Raleigh details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Raleigh

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami