Texas vs. North Carolina: Which State Gives You More Bang for Your Buck in 2025?
Are you eyeing a move this year and wondering where your dollars will stretch further—deep in the heart of Texas or among the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina?
Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for a vibrant tech hub, a family searching for affordable neighborhoods, or a remote worker in pursuit of fresh outdoor escapes, Texas and North Carolina both offer compelling reasons to pack up and relocate. But when it comes to everyday expenses like housing, groceries, healthcare, and taxes, one may edge out the other. Let’s dive in and compare two of the fastest-growing and most talked-about states in 2025.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Texas and North Carolina are Trending in 2025
- 2. Housing Costs Breakdown
- 3. Groceries and Dining
- 4. Utilities and Energy
- 5. Transportation Costs
- 6. Healthcare and Insurance
- 7. Taxes and Local Fees
- 8. Lifestyle Costs and Family Considerations
- 9. Monthly Cost Snapshot: Single vs. Family of Four
- 10. What You Can Get for $3,000/Month in Austin vs. Raleigh
- 11. Final Thoughts
- 12. Explore More with CompaniesByZipcode.com
- 13. Teaser for Next Week: Coastal Living Showdown—San Diego vs. Miami
1. Why Texas and North Carolina are Trending in 2025
It’s no coincidence both Texas and North Carolina remain at the top of headlines in 2025. According to recent U.S. Census migration data and real estate trend reports, Austin and Raleigh are two of the fastest-growing metro areas this year.
- Austin, TX has reinvented itself as a booming tech epicenter, with major players like Apple, Tesla, and Oracle doubling down on local investments. The culture, live music scene, and no state income tax make it highly attractive.
- Raleigh, NC is grabbing attention for its excellent school districts, Research Triangle Park (a magnet for STEM jobs), and balanced lifestyle. It offers big-city resources with small-town charm.
2. Housing Costs Breakdown
| Category | Austin, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price (2025) | $483,000 | $412,000 |
| Avg. Monthly Rent (1-Bedroom) | $1,775 | $1,480 |
| Avg. Monthly Rent (3-Bedroom) | $2,500 | $2,100 |
Takeaway: Raleigh offers more affordable housing options, especially for families who need larger homes. Austin still commands higher rents due to its booming tech sector.
3. Groceries and Dining
| Category | Austin, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Grocery Bill (1 Person) | $340 | $320 |
| Monthly Dining Out (1 Person) | $250 | $220 |
| Coffee (Average Cappuccino) | $5.00 | $4.30 |
Takeaway: Raleigh edges out Austin slightly on grocery and dining affordability, though both are mid-range for major U.S. cities.
4. Utilities and Energy
| Category | Austin, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Utilities (2BR Apt.) | $165 | $150 |
| Internet (High-speed, Unlimited) | $75 | $72 |
Takeaway: North Carolina’s milder weather helps drive slightly lower utility bills.
5. Transportation Costs
| Category | Austin, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Price (per gallon) | $3.35 | $3.15 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $41 | $50 |
| Avg. Car Insurance/Month | $125 | $110 |
Takeaway: North Carolina has cheaper auto insurance and gas, but Raleigh’s limited public transit options may increase car dependency.
6. Healthcare and Insurance
| Category | Austin, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Monthly Healthcare (Single) | $390 | $350 |
| Avg. Monthly Healthcare (Family) | $1,150 | $1,010 |
Takeaway: Raleigh offers better affordability on health services, though both states have reputable hospitals and health systems.
7. Taxes and Local Fees
| Tax Type | Texas | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4.99% (flat rate) |
| Sales Tax (Avg. Combined) | 8.20% | 7.00% |
| Property Tax (Median Rate) | 1.60% | 0.84% |
Takeaway: Texas wins for no state income tax, but higher property taxes can offset that advantage depending on your situation.
8. Lifestyle Costs and Family Considerations
| Lifestyle Expense | Austin, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | $60 | $52 |
| Movie Ticket | $14 | $12 |
| Childcare (Full-Time/Month) | $1,250 | $1,000 |
| Private School (Annual) | $12,000 | $10,000 |
Takeaway: Families will appreciate Raleigh’s more affordable childcare and education options, along with equal access to arts and recreation centers.
9. Monthly Cost Snapshot: Single vs. Family of Four
| Profile | Austin, TX (Monthly) | Raleigh, NC (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | ~$3,200 | ~$2,800 |
| Family of Four | ~$6,800 | ~$6,100 |
Breakdown Includes: Rent, groceries, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and basic entertainment.
10. What You Can Get for $3,000/Month in Austin vs. Raleigh
Austin, TX
- 1-bedroom apartment downtown or 2BR apartment outside city center
- Basic groceries, dining 4x/month, & gym
- Monthly car expenses
- Health insurance (individual plan)
Raleigh, NC
- Spacious 2-bedroom in a desirable neighborhood
- Weekly dining out + streaming/services
- Car payment, insurance, and lower gas costs
- Yoga or gym membership + part-time childcare
Verdict: Raleigh offers more spacious living and more lifestyle perks within the same budget, especially valuable for young professionals and remote workers.
11. Final Thoughts
Both Texas and North Carolina offer strong economies, diverse job markets, and exciting cultural scenes. Texas wins in tax benefits and big-city vibrancy, especially for tech workers and entrepreneurs seeking opportunity. North Carolina shines with balanced affordability, appealing natural landscapes, growing research and biotech sectors, and a lower cost of living—ideal for families and retirees.
Ultimately, your best fit may come down to lifestyle preferences, job opportunities, and how far you want your dollar to go each month.
12. Explore More with CompaniesByZipcode.com
Curious about what living costs look like ZIP code by ZIP code? Whether you’re considering downtown Austin or a Raleigh suburb like Cary or Durham, you can compare exact costs, job availability, local business info, and more tailored to your neighborhood of choice.
Start your search now on CompaniesByZipcode.com.
13. Teaser for Next Week: Coastal Living Showdown—San Diego vs. Miami
Dreaming about sun, sand, and that sweet coastal lifestyle? Stay tuned for our next article as we pit San Diego, CA against Miami, FL in a cost-of-living showdown you don’t want to miss. Think sunshine, surfboards, and serious savings comparisons!