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.
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Key differences
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 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
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 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $142 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Raleigh — that's the real price of a city.
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 saves roughly $325/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,900/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.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only