Comparing the living conditions of Bronx, NY, and Raleigh, NC, requires considering several factors. Both cities have unique characteristics that contribute to their overall living conditions, including the local climate, job opportunities, cost of living, and cultural activities. Each area has its advantages and potential drawbacks.
The Bronx, a borough of New York City, has struggled with crime in the past, but recent years have seen a significant decrease. However, compared to Raleigh, the crime rate is still higher in the Bronx. Raleigh is generally considered safer, with crime rates consistently lower than national averages. However, like any major city, crime varies depending on the neighborhood.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Bronx is significantly higher than that in Raleigh. While the cost of housing is the most significant factor, other costs such as groceries and healthcare are also higher in the Bronx. Raleigh offers a lower cost of living, which appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees.
Income Tax
In New York, there is a city income tax in addition to the state income tax, making it more taxing than Raleigh, which only has state income tax. North Carolina’s state income tax of a flat rate of 5.25% is significantly lower than New York’s state income tax, which can range from 4%-8.82% depending on income level.
Property Tax
The property tax rate in the Bronx is generally lower than Raleigh. However, given the higher overall cost of homes in the Bronx, both renters and homeowners can expect to pay more in terms of actual dollars spent.
Sales Tax
New York's sales tax is higher than in North Carolina. The combined total for New York City is 8.875%, while Raleigh's combined rate is 7.25%, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.
Income
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Estimated median household income
$43,011
$74,612
Estimated per capita income
$23,354
$44,001
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
172.8
95.1
If you make $50,000 in Raleigh, you will have to make $90,852 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Bronx offers a mix of urban and green spaces and is bordered by the Hudson River. Raleigh is known as “City of Oaks” for the many oak trees that line its streets. Its geographical condition is mostly flatlands, which gradually slope down to the Atlantic Ocean.
Geographical information
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Land area
42 sq. miles
114.6 sq. miles
Population density
32,928 people per sq. mile
4,093.6 people per sq. mile
Elevation
120 feet
350 feet
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Raleigh, NC
Education
Both cities place a high value on education. The Bronx is part of the large and diverse New York City school system, with a multitude of public, private, and charter schools. Raleigh is noted for its strong school system and has been recognized nationally for its universities like North Carolina State University and Wake Technical Community College.
The Bronx, being part of New York City, benefits from one of the largest and most diverse economies in the world. Opportunities abound in fields such as finance, healthcare, education, and more. Raleigh's economy is robust and growing, driven by industries such as tech, healthcare, and education, thanks to its location in the Research Triangle.
Biggest Employers
The Bronx's largest employers include Montefiore Medical Center and the New York City Department of Education. In Raleigh, State of North Carolina, Wake County Public School System, and North Carolina State University dominate as the top employers.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Raleigh (Wake County), 54.9% voted for Democrats and 43.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
2020
83.7%
62.3%
16.0%
35.9%
0.3%
1.8%
2016
88.6%
57.4%
9.5%
37.2%
2.0%
5.5%
2012
91.9%
54.9%
8.1%
43.5%
0.0%
1.6%
2008
89.0%
56.8%
11.0%
42.3%
0.0%
0.9%
2004
82.9%
48.7%
16.5%
50.9%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
86.5%
46.1%
11.8%
53.2%
1.7%
0.7%
1996
85.8%
45.9%
10.5%
48.2%
3.7%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.5%
11.0%
11.5%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.8%
1.1%
3.9%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.4%
4.4%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.2%
6.5%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
3.7%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.6%
2.6%
1.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
9.0%
2.4%
22.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
0.6%
0.6%
Weather
Bronx residents experience four seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters, which may include snowfall. Raleigh, on the other hand, provides residents and visitors with a mild, southern climate. Winters are short and mild, while summers can become very hot. Many find the Raleigh climate more comfortable and less intense than the Bronx.
Weather and climate
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Temperature - Average
54.7°F
59.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.2%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.4%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.2%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47 in
46.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
54.5 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.5%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
51%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Raleigh, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
Bronx
Raleigh
2018
102
71
0.31
0.23
15.8
4.9
24.4
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.6
7.4
9.5
0.6
0.2
2017
100
70
0.04
0.23
15.7
5.5
24.6
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.7
7.0
9.3
0.6
0.2
2016
98
80
0.30
0.23
16.4
5.6
24.6
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
7.2
10.0
0.8
0.3
2015
105
79
0.28
0.27
18.0
5.7
23.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
8.6
11.0
1.4
0.3
2014
99
74
0.32
0.26
18.0
6.0
23.6
29.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
11.2
1.7
0.3
2013
103
72
0.39
0.26
18.9
N/A
23.5
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
10.7
2.1
0.4
2012
104
80
0.44
0.28
18.8
N/A
23.9
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
9.5
3.1
0.6
2011
113
84
0.46
0.27
20.9
N/A
22.1
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
10.3
4.5
0.7
2010
113
89
0.53
0.30
20.2
N/A
23.7
32.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
10.9
4.7
1.0
2009
107
77
0.53
0.30
22.3
N/A
19.5
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
10.3
5.4
1.0
2008
114
99
0.53
0.36
23.3
N/A
19.9
32.3
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.1
12.5
5.9
1.4
2007
122
98
0.60
0.40
24.6
N/A
19.1
35.7
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
13.9
7.0
1.2
2006
120
90
0.50
0.44
25.0
N/A
18.9
31.9
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
13.5
7.0
0.9
2005
115
80
0.60
0.38
27.0
N/A
17.8
33.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
2.5
2004
109
82
0.62
0.40
25.6
N/A
16.7
28.4
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
2.6
2003
110
82
0.75
N/A
27.4
N/A
17.1
29.9
0.022
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
3.0
2002
124
89
0.67
N/A
27.9
N/A
17.4
36.1
0.008
N/A
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
2.6
2001
126
128
0.66
N/A
30.0
N/A
17.8
34.5
0.020
N/A
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
2000
115
115
0.68
0.64
29.4
N/A
16.0
34.1
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
58.3%
95.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31%
52.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
18%
Transportation
The Bronx has extensive public transit options, including the subway, buses, and taxis. Despite traffic, it's easy to get around without a car. Raleigh is more spread out and most residents rely on cars, however, the city is working to expand public transportation options, including buses and bike shares.
Transport
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
39
499
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
15.6%
1.1%
Carpooled
9.3%
8.5%
Car alone
27%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Railroad
2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
34.6%
0%
Taxicab
1.3%
0.3%
Walked
7.2%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Average
44.2 min
29.4 min
Real Estate
The Bronx’s real estate market tends to be expensive, with both rents and home prices higher than the national average. Raleigh’s real estate market is more affordable, with home prices and rental rates typically below the national average.
Neighborhoods
The Bronx is renowned for its culturally rich and diverse neighborhoods, such as Riverdale, Throgs Neck, and Belmont. Raleigh offers various neighborhoods from urban downtown living to suburban communities like North Hills, Cameron Village, and Boylan Heights.
Houses and residents
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Houses
490,659
217,866
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.4
Houses occupied
463,212 (94.4%)
194,917 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
90,522 (19.5%)
103,367 (53%)
Houses occupied by renters
372,690 (80.5%)
91,550 (47%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,273
$1,740
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$708,992
$302,120
Estimated median house or condo value
$465,000
$340,200
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
6.7
Renting percentage
80.7%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
11,675
1,901.1
Household income disparities
50.2%
45.4%
Housing units without a mortgage
12,021 (34%)
1,689 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.3%)
6,627 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
23,339 (66%)
78,923 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,053 (5.8%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,159 (6.1%)
7,783 (9.7%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,572
12,488
State government workers
14,515
19,792
Unpaid family workers
1,000
523
Industries and Occupations
In the Bronx, healthcare, education, retail trade, and accommodation and food services are significant employers. Raleigh's job landscape is more diverse, with many residents working in the technological sector, education, healthcare, and government.
Healthcare in the Bronx is anchored by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center. Raleigh is home to the renowned Duke University Health System and UNC Health Care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
As part of New York City, the infrastructure in the Bronx can be older but it benefits from excellent public transportation. Raleigh, while having a younger infrastructure, is more car-dependent but has been investing in public transportation.
Infrastructure
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Hospitals
57
19
TV stations
30
20
Bank branches located here
118
136
Bank institutions located here
24
27
Main business address for public companies
2
21
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
4
55
Schools
School facilities
Type
Bronx
Raleigh
Private elementary/middle schools
54
15
Private high schools
20
20
Public elementary/middle schools
285
75
Public high schools
155
21
Colleges/Universities
9
13
Culture and Food
The Bronx is a cultural melting pot with countless ethnic restaurants and cultural sites, including the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium. Raleigh also has a vibrant food scene with a blend of southern tradition and modern innovation. It boasts a number of museums and performing arts venues, plus music festivals and the annual State Fair.
Sports Teams
The Bronx is home to the world-famous New York Yankees, and fans can also easily access other New York City sports teams. Raleigh hosts the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and is an easy drive to Durham for ACC basketball.
Bronx, NY
Raleigh, NC
