Moving from Ann Arbor to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$79/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
105101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,700
per month
State tax
4.1%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,484$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Ann Arbor lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Ann Arbor | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,476 |
| $50K | $48,095 |
| $60K | $57,714 |
| $75K | $72,143 |
| $80K | $76,952 |
| $100K | $96,190 |
| $120K | $115,429 |
| $150K | $144,286 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Ann Arbor vs Raleigh
| Expense | Ann Arbor | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,484 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $384 | $365 |
| Transport | $65 | $70 |
| Utilities | $162 | $150 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,060 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Ann Arbor?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Ann Arbor to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Ann Arbor to Raleigh could save roughly $79/month on core expenses. That's ~$948/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Ann Arbor lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Ann Arbor, you'd need roughly $72,143/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Raleigh to Ann ArborAnn Arbor vs Raleigh — full comparisonAnn Arbor cost of livingRaleigh cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only