Median rent is 14% lower in Jacksonville ($1,268/mo vs $1,468/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jacksonville, where the median home runs $191,700 versus $377,800. Households earn more in Raleigh ($82,424 vs $54,069 a year). Taken together, Raleigh is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 98.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Raleigh, NC.
City A
Jacksonville, NC
City B
Raleigh, NC
How much would you need to earn in Raleigh, NC to maintain your standard of living from Jacksonville, NC?
Equivalent salary in Raleigh, NC
$74,872
You could earn $128 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Jacksonville
North Carolina
Raleigh
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Jacksonville at $1,268/mo compared to $1,468/mo in Raleigh (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Raleigh: the median home is $377,800 versus $191,700 in Jacksonville — 49% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Raleigh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.75% in North Carolina; Raleigh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jacksonville
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Raleigh
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Raleigh (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Jacksonville.
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize higher median household income ($82,424/yr).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,268/mo median).
Is Jacksonville cheaper than Raleigh?
Raleigh is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 98.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Raleigh.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Raleigh?
Median rent is $1,268/mo in Jacksonville, NC and $1,468/mo in Raleigh, NC. Jacksonville, NC has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Jacksonville or Raleigh?
Median household income is $54,069 in Jacksonville, NC and $82,424 in Raleigh, NC. Raleigh, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Jacksonville or Raleigh?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Raleigh, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Jacksonville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jacksonville, NC is equivalent to roughly $99,829 in Raleigh, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology