Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler vs Raleigh-Cary

Cost of Living Comparison

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler

Gross Salary $70,000
Tax -$8,626
Rent (2BR) -$22,068
Net Income $39,306

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

$61,473

The Verdict

Cost of Living Index

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler 124.3
Raleigh-Cary 104.0
Cheaper Avg (100) Pricier

Purchasing Power

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler $31,624
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, you'd need:

$79,965

The Bottom Line

On a $70,000 salary, you would have $123 more per year in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler compared to Raleigh-Cary. You'd pay $1,191 more in taxes in Raleigh-Cary, while housing costs 5% less. The cost of living in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler is 24% above avg, while Raleigh-Cary is 4% above avg, making Raleigh-Cary the more affordable city overall. Your $70,000 salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler feels like earning $61,473 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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler ($11,297 vs $15,088 avg in-state tuition).

K-12 Schools

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler
Raleigh-Cary
Schools
1,339
275
Enrollment
790,198
220,430
Pupil:Teacher
0:1
0:1
Charter %
27.1%
8.6%
Title I %
0%
0%

Colleges & Universities

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler
Raleigh-Cary
Institutions
81
19
In-State Tuition
$11,297
$15,088
Out-of-State
$14,043
$18,511
Grad Rate
52.4%
53.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler or Raleigh-Cary more expensive?

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler is more expensive with a cost of living index of 124.3 vs 104.0 (national average = 100).

What salary in Raleigh-Cary equals $70,000 in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler?

You would need to earn approximately $61,473 in Raleigh-Cary to maintain the same purchasing power as a $70,000 salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, after accounting for taxes, rent, and cost of living differences.

How much is rent in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler vs Raleigh-Cary?

Average annual rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $22,068 in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler and $21,000 in Raleigh-Cary—housing is 5% less in Raleigh-Cary.