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 vs Raleigh: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: 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.

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

The Baltimore versus Raleigh debate is one of the most popular city comparisons in America. Baltimore brings crab cakes and affordable neighborhoods, while Raleigh offers Research Triangle Park and affordable living. The cost data helps settle the question.

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

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.

Environment

Baltimore

Raleigh

45 Good

Air Quality

46 Good

65.6%

Good Air Days

61.7%

95 High

Climate Risk

96 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

30 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

30 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

What to Consider When Moving from Baltimore, MD to Raleigh, NC

Relocating from Baltimore, MD to Raleigh, NC involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 8% lower in Raleigh, NC, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Raleigh, NC is 21% cheaper than in Baltimore, MD. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Raleigh, NC pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Raleigh, NC to match your current standard of living in Baltimore, MD.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Raleigh, NC for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Baltimore, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Yes, Raleigh, NC is about 8.5% cheaper than Baltimore, MD. You could save approximately $637/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 21% lower in Raleigh, NC.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to match my lifestyle in Baltimore, MD?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you would need approximately $142,358 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Baltimore, MD and Raleigh, NC?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC. One-bedroom apartments are $1,450/month in Baltimore, MD vs $1,640/month in Raleigh, NC. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Baltimore, MD or Raleigh, NC?

Groceries are about 12% cheaper in Raleigh, NC than in Baltimore, MD, saving a typical household roughly $130/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Baltimore, MD to Raleigh, NC?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Maryland and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com