Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
57% cheaper
Raleigh is 57% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $32,553 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while Raleigh sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $370,000 in Raleigh, a difference of $780,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $1,500 in Raleigh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manhattan scores 115 while Raleigh scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are higher than Raleigh (108).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $67,266 in Raleigh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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