Cheapest Cities Near Raleigh (2026)

Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI24% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $820/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX23% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $750/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS22% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $700/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO22% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $750/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX22% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $750/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN21% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $710/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS21% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $760/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX21% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $650/mo on rent
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Raleigh at a glance

101
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,700
1BR rent
per month
$380K
Home price
median
4.5%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Reno, NVCOL: 101Phoenix, AZCOL: 100Charlotte, NCCOL: 100Orlando, FLCOL: 102

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only