Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 98.2 in Raleigh, NC in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 17.8% more expensive than Raleigh; housing rents differ by 88% (194.7 vs 103.5). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $63,676 buys in Raleigh, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Raleigh | San Francisco vs Raleigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 98.2 | +17.8% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 96.6 | +12.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 103.5 | +88.2% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 89.0 | +94.0% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 98.2 | +8.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 97.0 | +22.7% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Raleigh | $42,451 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Raleigh | $84,901 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Raleigh | $127,352 |
Related
- Cost of living: Raleigh, NC vs Salt Lake City, UT (2024)
- Cost of living: San Antonio, TX vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: San Jose, CA vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Seattle, WA vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Raleigh, NC (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.