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Looking seriously to move to your area and find that real estate taxes are much lower than what I am paying here in New England. However, I know that there MUST be other expenses (that I'm not paying here) that I'm going to get hit with unexpectedly that will probably eat up whatever I've saved in RE taxes. Please open my eyes. Thank you!
We came from southern California - car country - so we were floored when we learned that the coverage (through the same insurer) was higher out here. We also pay property tax on vehicles. Our medical insurance is 20% higher here. CA dentist cleaning/checkup $75 -- Raleigh $135. A 1.75 liter bottle of Grey Goose vodka that we bought in CA for $49.99 (everyday price) is $75 at the ABC store, groceries are also higher here and I think there's a 2% grocery tax.
BUT! Because housing is so much lower here it hugely offsets the additional living expenses.
Remember, this is my experience coming from SoCal.
I agree with CSTleddy, except for the health care, which is the same price through my employer.
Alcohol might get cheaper with the state investigating abolishing the state controlled stores, which is a racket.
I am a seasoned resident of about 18 months. The housing prices are a huge plus. I got a house roughly 2.5 times the size and 1/2 the price as I could of gotten in Rockville, MD.
Wow. Car insurance, property tax, and alcohol all higher. And someone mentioned sales tax on EVERYTHING? Seriously? Is food from the grocery store taxed at the same rate as clothing?
We moved here from MA in 2007. Financially we are doing the same as in MA. Some things are cheaper in NC (property tax, car insurance etc) but it all evens out with the sales tax, higher healthcare, grocery, preschool costs etc. Utility costs are compareable. Before we accepted the relocation package, several ppl advised us to do the math. Cost of living here is not as cheap as many believe.
On the up side - Our mortgage is about the same as in MA but the house is quite an upgrade. My Dh's commute went from 90 miles roundtrip to less than 20 miles roundtrip.
Quote:
Is food from the grocery store taxed at the same rate as clothing?
No, food is 2%. Prepped food is 7.75% as is certain junk foods like soda.
Overall, we are very happy that we made the move.
Make sure you have a job lined up before you move though!
Yearly car tax based on the value of your car, I pay around $500. a year on my 2 cars. EMS fund yearly dues about $65.00 - optional but worth it. Many neighborhoods have HOA's, from $50. a year into the thousands.
A 1.75 liter bottle of Grey Goose vodka that we bought in CA for $49.99 (everyday price) is $75 at the ABC store, groceries are also higher here and I think there's a 2% grocery tax.
Now you know why Johnston County was known for making their own! Percy Flowers was ahead of his time
Thanks everyone. I was wondering what EMS fund yearly dues are....?
I am coming from MA,and hopefully will be able to find work as an RN. A friend of mine who now lives there indicated that I would have trouble finding my authentic Italian deli/ready prepared foods and Italian pastry shops down there. Also, she said that fruits and vegetables cost more down there. I don't know if she's right or if she just has not found the right spots in the Raleigh/Cary areas. ??
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