New York vs Raleigh-Cary

Cost of Living Comparison

New York

Gross Salary $70,000
Tax -$10,486
Rent (2BR) -$34,920
Net Income $24,594

To match your lifestyle in Raleigh-Cary, you'd need:

$42,554

The Verdict

Cost of Living Index

New York 149.7
Raleigh-Cary 104.0
Cheaper Avg (100) Pricier

Purchasing Power

New York $16,433
Raleigh-Cary $37,677

Raleigh-Cary

Gross Salary $70,000
Tax -$9,817
Rent (2BR) -$21,000
Net Income $39,183

To match your lifestyle in New York, you'd need:

$114,028

The Bottom Line

On a $70,000 salary, you would have $14,589 more per year in Raleigh-Cary compared to New York. You'd pay $669 less in taxes in Raleigh-Cary, while housing costs 40% less. The cost of living in New York is 50% above avg, while Raleigh-Cary is 4% above avg, making Raleigh-Cary the more affordable city overall. Your $70,000 salary in New York feels like earning $42,554 in Raleigh-Cary once you factor in taxes, rent, and cost of living. For K-12 education, Raleigh-Cary has a better pupil-teacher ratio (0:1 vs 0:1). College is more affordable in Raleigh-Cary ($19,246 vs $15,088 avg in-state tuition).

K-12 Schools

New York
Raleigh-Cary
Schools
4,508
275
Enrollment
2,774,536
220,430
Pupil:Teacher
0:1
0:1
Charter %
6.3%
8.6%
Title I %
0%
0%

Colleges & Universities

New York
Raleigh-Cary
Institutions
364
19
In-State Tuition
$19,246
$15,088
Out-of-State
$20,786
$18,511
Grad Rate
59.0%
53.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York or Raleigh-Cary more expensive?

New York is more expensive with a cost of living index of 149.7 vs 104.0 (national average = 100).

What salary in Raleigh-Cary equals $70,000 in New York?

You would need to earn approximately $42,554 in Raleigh-Cary to maintain the same purchasing power as a $70,000 salary in New York, after accounting for taxes, rent, and cost of living differences.

How much is rent in New York vs Raleigh-Cary?

Average annual rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $34,920 in New York and $21,000 in Raleigh-Cary—housing is 40% less in Raleigh-Cary.