Moving from Nashville to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Nashville lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Nashville | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,071 |
| $50K | $45,089 |
| $60K | $54,107 |
| $75K | $67,634 |
| $80K | $72,143 |
| $100K | $90,179 |
| $120K | $108,214 |
| $150K | $135,268 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Nashville vs Raleigh
| Expense | Nashville | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $365 | $365 |
| Transport | $70 | $70 |
| Utilities | $170 | $150 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,276 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Nashville?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Nashville to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Nashville to Raleigh could save roughly $120/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,440/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Nashville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Nashville, you'd need roughly $67,634/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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