Moving from Irvine to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). You'd pay about 36% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,192/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
158101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,800$1,700
per month
State tax
9.3%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,159$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Irvine lifestyle
Based on the 36% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Irvine | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,570 |
| $50K | $31,962 |
| $60K | $38,354 |
| $75K | $47,943 |
| $80K | $51,139 |
| $100K | $63,924 |
| $120K | $76,709 |
| $150K | $95,886 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Irvine vs Raleigh
| Expense | Irvine | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $429 | $365 |
| Transport | $90 | $70 |
| Utilities | $148 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $622 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Irvine?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). That's about 36% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Irvine to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Irvine to Raleigh could save roughly $1,192/month on core expenses. That's ~$14,304/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Irvine lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Irvine, you'd need roughly $47,943/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Raleigh to IrvineIrvine vs Raleigh — full comparisonIrvine 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