Quick answer
Phoenix is 23% cheaper than Raleigh overall. A $100K salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $123,000 in Raleigh.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Phoenix vs Raleigh Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Phoenix is 23% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+7% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$123,000
Phoenix vs Raleigh: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,380/mo
$1,480/mo
+7%
2BR median rent
$1,720/mo
$1,860/mo
+8%
Median home price
$415K
$420K
+1%
Avg monthly groceries
$345
$350
+1%
Avg monthly utilities
$195
$145
-26%
State income tax
2.5%
4.5%
Phoenix saves
Walk score
41/100
34/100
Phoenix better
Transit score
29/100
25/100
Phoenix better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of living as your current Phoenix salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$74,000
$49,000
$80,000
$98,000
$65,000
$100,000
$123,000
$82,000
$120,000
$147,000
$98,000
$150,000
$184,000
$122,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Phoenix vs Raleigh
Who Each City Is Best For
Phoenix is best for
- ✓remote workers
- ✓retirees
- ✓families on a budget
- ✓snowbirds
Raleigh is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓biotech / pharma professionals
- ✓researchers
- ✓young families
FAQs
Is Phoenix or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Phoenix is 23% cheaper than Raleigh overall. Phoenix 1BR rent ($1,380/mo) vs Raleigh ($1,480/mo). Median home price: Phoenix $415K vs Raleigh $420K.
How much salary do I need in Raleigh to match $100K in Phoenix?
$123,000 in Raleigh is equivalent to $100,000 in Phoenix based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+7% difference) and state taxes (Phoenix: 2.5% vs Raleigh: 4.5%).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Raleigh?
1BR: Phoenix $1,380/mo vs Raleigh $1,480/mo (+7%). 2BR: Phoenix $1,720/mo vs Raleigh $1,860/mo (+8%).
Does Phoenix or Raleigh have lower taxes?
Phoenix (AZ) has 2.5% state income tax. Raleigh (NC) has 4.5% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$2,000.