Question 1

Is Austin or Raleigh cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Austin, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $719/month less than in Raleigh, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,095/mo in Austin versus $1,750/mo in Raleigh.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Austin vs Raleigh?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $60,000/year before tax in Austin, TX and $78,500/year in Raleigh, NC — a difference of about $18,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Austin or Raleigh cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Austin, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,996/month in Austin and $9,872/month in Raleigh, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Austin or Raleigh?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Austin costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Austin75	Raleigh75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,505	$4,224
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,996	$9,872
Salary for comfort	$60,000/yr	$78,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,095	$1,750
Median home value	$512,700	$377,800
Median household income	$91,461	$82,424
Unemployment	3.9%	3.1%
Housing score	58	56
Jobs score	76	88
Safety score	58	59
Climate score	92	100
Amenities score	64	62
Population	967.9K	470.8K
Summer high / winter low	96° / 42°	90° / 31°

Austin, TX vs Raleigh, NC