Raleigh vs New York: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Raleigh's median home value is $347,000 — 53% lower than New York's $732,100.
Households earn a median $78,631 in Raleigh, compared with $76,607 in New York.
Median rent is $1,371 in Raleigh, compared with $1,714 in New York.
Climate risk is a wash here — both cities carry a "Relatively High" FEMA rating.
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 465,517 | 8,622,467 |
| Median home value | $347,000 | $732,100 |
| Median household income | $78,631 | $76,607 |
| Median gross rent | $1,371 | $1,714 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
Raleigh, NC comes out ahead on housing affordability versus New York, NY, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.