Moving from Los Angeles to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 42% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 42% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $23,353 |
| $50K | $29,191 |
| $60K | $35,029 |
| $75K | $43,786 |
| $80K | $46,705 |
| $100K | $58,382 |
| $120K | $70,058 |
| $150K | $87,572 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Raleigh
| Expense | Los Angeles | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $410 | $365 |
| Transport | $100 | $70 |
| Utilities | $145 | $150 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $2,114 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,180 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 42% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Raleigh saves roughly $1,400/month on core expenses. That's ~$16,800/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $43,786/year in Raleigh. 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