Moving from Tokyo to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 86 for Tokyo (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 18% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$469 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
86 → 101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 → $1,700
per month
State tax
20% → 4.5%
income tax
COL difference
86 → 101
18% more expensive
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Tokyo lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tokyo | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $47,251 |
| $50K | $59,064 |
| $60K | $70,877 |
| $75K | $88,596 |
| $80K | $94,503 |
| $100K | $118,129 |
| $120K | $141,754 |
| $150K | $177,193 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$495/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Tokyo vs Raleigh
| Expense | Tokyo | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,491 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $380 | $365 |
| Transport | $150 | $70 |
| Utilities | $90 | $150 |
| Internet | $30 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,641 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Tokyo?
No. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 86 for Tokyo (100 = US average). That's about 18% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Tokyo to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tokyo to Raleigh saves roughly $469/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,628/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Tokyo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tokyo, you'd need roughly $88,596/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Raleigh to TokyoTokyo vs Raleigh — full comparisonTokyo cost of livingRaleigh cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only