Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 8.5% cheaper than Baltimore, MD. This translates to saving $637 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $142,358.491 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 20.8% cheaper than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Baltimore, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $637 per month, or $7642 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $637/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$637

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$512K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Baltimore, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,118/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $650less	20.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$959/mo	↓ $130less	11.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $95.62less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$546/mo	↓ $60.11less	9.9%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,707/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 20.8%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$650

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$130

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$95.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.9%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.11

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,570

↑ $300

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,640

↑ $190

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,800

↑ $30.00

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$2,255

↓ $25.00

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$923

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Raleigh

$218K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 135% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $135

Per year

Monthly Difference

$11.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.