Data last updated: August 2026

Los Angeles, CARaleigh, NC

You would need around 28.4% less money in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living you have in Los Angeles, CA.

Overall Cost of Living

28.4%

Raleigh, NC is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,534 USD
City B1,698 USD
Difference-33.0%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A328 USD
City B295 USD
Difference-10.1%

Average Net Salary

City A4,485 USD
City B4,354 USD
Difference-2.9%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Los Angeles, CA to Raleigh, NC? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Raleigh, NC is 28.4% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, NC's center costs around 1,698 USD, which is a staggering 33.0% less than in Los Angeles, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Los Angeles, CA and Raleigh, NC is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Raleigh, NC to maintain your current lifestyle in Los Angeles, CA.

USD

You need in Raleigh, NC

3,212 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Los Angeles, CA to Raleigh, NC and investing the 28% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.3 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Los Angeles, CA budget to local Raleigh, NC prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1698 USD
Groceries295 USD
Utilities & Internet262 USD

Investment Planner

You save 836 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Raleigh, NC.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~140,448 USD in 10 years.