Moving from Raleigh to Carmel (2026)
Carmel has a COL index of 98 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$265/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10198
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,450
per month
State tax
4.5%3.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,541
per month
Salary needed in Carmel to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Carmel |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,812 |
| $50K | $48,515 |
| $60K | $58,218 |
| $75K | $72,772 |
| $80K | $77,624 |
| $100K | $97,030 |
| $120K | $116,436 |
| $150K | $145,545 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Carmel
| Expense | Raleigh | Carmel |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,541 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,450 |
| Groceries | $365 | $376 |
| Transport | $70 | $40 |
| Utilities | $150 | $152 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,461 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Carmel cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Carmel has a cost of living index of 98 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Carmel?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Carmel could save roughly $265/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,180/year.
What salary do I need in Carmel to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $72,772/year in Carmel. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Carmel to RaleighRaleigh vs Carmel — full comparisonRaleigh cost of livingCarmel 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