Moving from Raleigh to Albany (2026)
Albany has a COL index of 92 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$247/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10192
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,400
per month
State tax
4.5%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Albany to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Albany |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,436 |
| $50K | $45,545 |
| $60K | $54,653 |
| $75K | $68,317 |
| $80K | $72,871 |
| $100K | $91,089 |
| $120K | $109,307 |
| $150K | $136,634 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Albany
| Expense | Raleigh | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $365 | $380 |
| Transport | $70 | $68 |
| Utilities | $150 | $185 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,211 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Albany has a cost of living index of 92 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Albany?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Albany could save roughly $247/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,964/year.
What salary do I need in Albany to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $68,317/year in Albany. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Albany to RaleighRaleigh vs Albany — full comparisonRaleigh cost of livingAlbany 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