Moving from Austin to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 17% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,115 |
| $50K | $41,393 |
| $60K | $49,672 |
| $75K | $62,090 |
| $80K | $66,230 |
| $100K | $82,787 |
| $120K | $99,344 |
| $150K | $124,180 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Raleigh
| Expense | Austin | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $372 | $365 |
| Transport | $50 | $70 |
| Utilities | $170 | $150 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,114 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $112 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Austin — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 17% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Raleigh run about $181/month more than Austin. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $62,090/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only