Moving from Tampa to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$356/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
104101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,000$1,700
per month
State tax
None4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Tampa lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tampa | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,846 |
| $50K | $48,558 |
| $60K | $58,269 |
| $75K | $72,837 |
| $80K | $77,692 |
| $100K | $97,115 |
| $120K | $116,538 |
| $150K | $145,673 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tampa vs Raleigh
| Expense | Tampa | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $376 | $365 |
| Transport | $65 | $70 |
| Utilities | $195 | $150 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,040 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Tampa?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tampa to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tampa to Raleigh could save roughly $356/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,272/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Tampa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tampa, you'd need roughly $72,837/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Raleigh to TampaTampa vs Raleigh — full comparisonTampa cost of livingRaleigh 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