Raleigh is 18% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,822
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,658
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$92,099
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$415,800
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.2
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,048
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$133
$104
👥 People living there
481,031
830,235
Commute to work
23 min
30.4 min
College degree
54%
60.3%
Own their home
50.7%
38.2%
Below poverty line
11.9%
11.2%
Unemployment
4.4%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Raleigh for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Raleigh | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $45,640 | $113,700 | +149% in San Francisco |
| Registered Nurse | $84,830 | $186,610 | +120% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $65,860 | $132,000 | +100% in San Francisco |
| Carpenter | $50,820 | $89,200 | +76% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,150 | $219,080 | +71% in San Francisco |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,170 | $101,860 | +69% in San Francisco |
| Electrician | $56,800 | $92,830 | +63% in San Francisco |
| Lawyer | $131,920 | $212,500 | +61% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Raleigh is about 18% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,822 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Raleigh?
About $70,670 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Raleigh or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $92,099 in Raleigh and $152,036 in San Francisco, 39% more in San Francisco.