Moving from Raleigh to Phoenix (2026)
Phoenix has a COL index of 100 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$142/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
101100
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,500
per month
State tax
4.5%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Phoenix to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Phoenix |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,604 |
| $50K | $49,505 |
| $60K | $59,406 |
| $75K | $74,257 |
| $80K | $79,208 |
| $100K | $99,010 |
| $120K | $118,812 |
| $150K | $148,515 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Phoenix
| Expense | Raleigh | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $365 | $369 |
| Transport | $70 | $64 |
| Utilities | $150 | $210 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,381 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Phoenix cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Phoenix?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Phoenix could save roughly $142/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,704/year.
What salary do I need in Phoenix to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $74,257/year in Phoenix. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Phoenix to RaleighRaleigh vs Phoenix — full comparisonRaleigh cost of livingPhoenix 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