Raleigh vs Tampa
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Raleigh feels like approximately $70,590 in Tampa.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Raleigh feels like $70,590 in Tampa. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 1%.
Raleigh
Tampa
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Raleigh, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Raleigh and Tampa each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Raleigh vs Tampa — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Raleigh or Tampa?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,596/mo in Raleigh and $1,696/mo in Tampa. Raleigh has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Tampa to match Raleigh?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Raleigh feels like approximately $70,590 in Tampa — a gain of about 1% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Raleigh and Tampa?
Raleigh is in NC (NC levies income tax) and Tampa is in FL (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.