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.
Save ~$112/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
122101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,700
per month
State tax
None4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,459
per month
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 |
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 |
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, moving from Austin to Raleigh could save roughly $112/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,344/year.
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 between the two cities.
Moving from Raleigh to AustinAustin vs Raleigh — full comparisonAustin 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