Is Austin or Raleigh more affordable?
Austin has a median rent of $1,415/month, while Raleigh is $1,450/month. Austin is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Austin, TX vs Raleigh, NC
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Austin and Raleigh.
4
Austin wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
Raleigh wins
TX
Austin
vs
NC
Raleigh
Overview
944,658
Population
467,665
$78,965✓
Median Income
-8.1%$72,571
Cost of Living
$1,415✓
Median Rent / mo
+2.5%$1,450
$381,400✓
Median Home Price
+4.9%$400,000
22%
Rent-to-Income %
24%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
4.75%
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
7.25%
Climate & Weather
71.28°F
Avg High Temp
71°F
68.16°F
Avg Low Temp
50°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
213 days✓
N/A
Annual Rainfall
46"
Who should choose
Austin, TX
Austin is a city in Texas with a population of 944,658.
Read full Austin guide →Who should choose
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is a city in North Carolina with a population of 467,665.
Read full Raleigh guide →Austin vs Raleigh — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Austin or Raleigh?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a 4.75% state income tax. Austin wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Austin and Raleigh?
Raleigh gets 213 sunny days/year. Avg high in Austin: 71.28°F. Avg high in Raleigh: 71°F
Which city is better for families — Austin or Raleigh?
Austin. Raleigh. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.