Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bangor, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.8% more expensive than Bangor, ME. This translates to spending an extra $289 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Bangor, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in Bangor, ME, you'd need approximately $153,463.004 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bangor, ME and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.1% cheaper than in Bangor, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $895/month in Bangor, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bangor, ME to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $289 more per month than Bangor, ME, or $3463 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bangor, ME vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bangor, ME — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Bangor, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $289/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$289

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.5K

Per year

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

Bangor, ME

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$291K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Bangor, ME

The Pine Tree State

32K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 32K 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: Bangor, ME vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bangor, ME	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,144/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $564more	49.3%
🏠Housing	$2,976/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $508less	17.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,147/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $137more	11.9%
🛒Groceries	$854/mo	$959/mo	↑ $105more	12.3%
⚡All Utilities	$567/mo	$546/mo	↓ $20.33less	3.6%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.32more	2.1%

📦Other

↑ 49.3%

Bangor, ME

$1,144

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$564

🏠Housing

↓ 17.1%

Bangor, ME

$2,976

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$508

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 11.9%

Bangor, ME

$1,147

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$137

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.3%

Bangor, ME

$854

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$105

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.6%

Bangor, ME

$567

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$20.33

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Bangor, ME

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$671

To$1,570

↑ $899

1 Bed

From$709

To$1,640

↑ $931

2 Bed

From$895

To$1,800

↑ $905

3 Bed

From$1,151

To$2,255

↑ $1,104

Bangor, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$1,330/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.

$7,278

Monthly in Bangor, ME

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$289

Difference

Home Values

Bangor

Raleigh

$291K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +48.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$291K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 76% more expensive than Bangor

Calculate payment - Bangor Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$264

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Bangor, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

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

Bangor, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

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.