Moving from Houston to Raleigh?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Houston lifestyle in Raleigh, you'd need to earn:
$79,416/year
▲ $4,416 more than you make now
| Category | Houston | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $79,416 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$9,086 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,924 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,152 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$3,375 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $60,880 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -0.4% in Raleigh
- Housing is -1.0% in Raleigh
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $3,188/year in taxes in Raleigh
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,055 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: Houston to Raleigh
| Your Houston Salary | Raleigh Equivalent | Difference | Raleigh Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $42,033 | +$2,033 | $34,026 |
| $50,000 | $52,560 | +$2,560 | $42,037 |
| $60,000 | $63,027 | +$3,027 | $50,002 |
| $75,000 | $79,416 | +$4,416 | $60,880 |
| $100,000 | $105,914 | +$5,914 | $78,395 |
| $150,000 | $159,148 | +$9,148 | $112,767 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Houston and Raleigh Compare
Housing (1% cheaper in Raleigh)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Raleigh rents for $1,240/month compared to $1,129/month in Houston. Median home prices: $431,000 in Raleigh vs $335,000 in Houston.
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a flat 4.3% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Raleigh would cost you about $3,188/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Raleigh's overall cost of living is 0.4% lower than Houston, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Houston: 98.6, Raleigh: 98.2.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Houston to Raleigh move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Raleigh
Average 1BR rent in Raleigh: $1,240/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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