Data last updated: August 2026

San Francisco, CARaleigh, NC

You would need around 47.6% less money in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living you have in San Francisco, CA.

Overall Cost of Living

47.6%

Raleigh, NC is cheaper than San Francisco, CA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A3,643 USD
City B1,698 USD
Difference-53.4%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A345 USD
City B295 USD
Difference-14.5%

Average Net Salary

City A7,873 USD
City B4,354 USD
Difference-44.7%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from San Francisco, 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 47.6% 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 53.4% less than in San Francisco, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for San Francisco, 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.

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Salary Comparator

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

USD

You need in Raleigh, NC

4,123 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC and investing the 48% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 7.1 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your San Francisco, 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 1945 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 ~326,760 USD in 10 years.