on $100k a year, leaving San Jose
changea dispatch from
raleigh
NC
35.78°N
78.64°W
Raleigh is the third leg of the Research Triangle, full of oaks (its nickname is the City of Oaks), state museums that are all free, and a downtown that's grown up fast without losing its quiet edges. NC State pumps young energy in, the food scene is sneaky-good, and the surrounding pine forests make summer evenings smell incredible. Beaches are two hours east, mountains three hours west.
in our guides
the verdict
lighter monthly cost than San Jose
In Raleigh, rent stops being the headline. The cost gap shows up every month without you trying.
a quick ledger.
$1,663/mo
52% cheaper than San Jose(vs $3,470/mo)
4.5%
$400/mo less in state tax than San Jose
vs 9.3% in San Jose
$6,295/mo
$2,207 more than San Jose
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$440k
75% cheaper than San Jose
vs $1796k in San Jose
1.5M
vs 1.9M in San Jose
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in raleigh.
San Jose edges ahead with 283 pleasant days.
Comparable to San Jose for events and concerts.
58/100
17% lower than San Jose
vs 70/100 in San Jose
Closest outdoor draw: William B. Umstead State Park, 9.9 mi.
97/100
2% higher than San Jose
vs 95/100 in San Jose
39
34% more than San Jose
vs 29 nonstops in San Jose
neighbors of raleigh on the map of tradeoffs:
