Side by side

Austin vs Raleigh

Raleigh wins on more metrics — 3–5 on the 8 core metrics we track. Detail below.

Metric

Austin

Raleigh

Cost of living

B vs A: -19%

60✓

Rent · 1BR center

B vs A: -20%

$1,750

$1,400✓

Effective tax (remote)

B vs A: +15%

20%✓

23%

Healthcare

B vs A: +9%

76✓

Safety

B vs A: +13%

72✓

Internet

B vs A: -11%

280✓

250

Climate

B vs A: +5%

82✓

Freedom

B vs A: -7%

88✓

No-state-income-tax tech hub. Rents have cooled from 2022 peak but live music, BBQ, and outdoor culture endure.

Research Triangle anchor with affordable suburbs, strong public schools, and a fast-growing biotech and tech base.