Moving from Sacramento to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). You'd pay about 20% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Sacramento lifestyle
Based on the 20% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Sacramento | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,811 |
| $50K | $39,764 |
| $60K | $47,717 |
| $75K | $59,646 |
| $80K | $63,622 |
| $100K | $79,528 |
| $120K | $95,433 |
| $150K | $119,291 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Sacramento vs Raleigh
| Expense | Sacramento | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $403 | $365 |
| Transport | $100 | $70 |
| Utilities | $150 | $150 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,441 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Sacramento?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). That's about 20% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Sacramento to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Sacramento to Raleigh could save roughly $373/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,476/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Sacramento lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Sacramento, you'd need roughly $59,646/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