Raleigh vs San Francisco: cost of living compared
San Francisco is 115% more expensive than Raleigh overall. State income tax tops out around 4.5% in NC vs 9.3% in CA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from San Francisco to Raleigh means a dramatic shift in overall expenses. San Francisco's cost of living is substantially higher than the national average, while Raleigh's is roughly in line with it. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are vastly different between the two metros, creating a much more affordable environment in Raleigh across nearly all spending categories.
Housing
Housing presents the most striking cost difference. Median home prices and typical rents for a one-bedroom apartment are considerably higher in San Francisco. While Raleigh offers more suburban-style homes and newer construction, San Francisco's housing market is characterized by denser, often older properties. This gap means a much larger portion of income is typically allocated to housing in San Francisco.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses are also noticeably higher in San Francisco. Transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities all cost more there. Additionally, California has a state income tax rate that is significantly higher than North Carolina's. This means that nearly every aspect of routine spending, from groceries to getting around, will be more expensive in San Francisco.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences extend beyond cost. San Francisco offers a dense, urban environment with a mild, often foggy climate, and extensive public transit options. Raleigh, by contrast, provides a more spread-out, suburban feel with a humid subtropical climate and distinct four seasons, where personal vehicles are more common. Commute times are also typically shorter in Raleigh, reflecting a different pace of life.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are substantial. Relocating from San Francisco to Raleigh would likely free up a considerable portion of a household's budget, primarily due to vastly lower housing costs and reduced everyday expenses. This move offers a significant opportunity for greater financial flexibility and potentially a different quality of life, with a more moderate cost burden across the board.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 100 | 215 |
| Housing index | 106 | 309 |
| Transportation index | 97 | 135 |
| Food index | 95 | 125 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 122 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 148 |
| Misc index | 90 | 138 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,500/mo | $3,450/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Francisco home with the True Cost Calculator.