Cost of Living: Raleigh vs West Palm Beach (2026)
Raleigh has a 14% lower overall cost of living than West Palm Beach as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,700/mo in Raleigh vs $2,400/mo in West Palm Beach — a 29% difference. West Palm Beach has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Raleigh (4.5% rate).
- Raleigh is 14% cheaper overall (COL index: 101 vs 117)
- 1BR rent: $1,700/mo in Raleigh vs $2,400/mo — 29% savings
- West Palm Beach has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Raleigh ($70,000/yr vs $63,000/yr)
- Median home price: $380,000 in Raleigh vs $500,000 — 24% difference
| Category | Raleigh North Carolina | West Palm Beach Florida |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,900 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,700Best | $2,400 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200Best | $3,200 |
| Median home price | $380KBest | $500K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96Best | 106 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13Best | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $55Best | $65 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $70Best | $112 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $3.50 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $215 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $150Best | $200 |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $70 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $70KBest | $63K |
| State income tax% | 4.5% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.5% | 7.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $40Best | $46 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 101Best | 117 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 55Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than West Palm Beach?
Yes. Raleigh is 14% cheaper than West Palm Beach based on overall cost of living indices (101 vs 117, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Raleigh vs West Palm Beach?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh is $1,700/month and in West Palm Beach is $2,400/month. Raleigh is cheaper by 29%.
How much do I need to earn in West Palm Beach to match a $75,000 salary in Raleigh?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $86,881/year in West Palm Beach to match a $75,000 salary in Raleigh. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Raleigh or West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 4.5%. West Palm Beach has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Raleigh to West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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