Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bel Air North, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.3% cheaper than Bel Air North, MD. This translates to saving $174 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Bel Air North, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Bel Air North, MD, you'd need approximately $147,917.958 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bel Air North, MD and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 6.1% cheaper than in Bel Air North, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,314/month in Bel Air North, MD.

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

Moving from Bel Air North, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $174 per month, or $2082 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bel Air North, MD vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bel Air North, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in Bel Air North, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $174/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$174

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.1K

Per year

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

Bel Air North, MD

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$512K

Bel Air North, MD

The Old Line State

32K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, 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: Bel Air North, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bel Air North, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,629/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $160less	6.1%
📦Other	$1,600/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $108more	6.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,054/mo	$959/mo	↓ $94.90less	9.0%
⚡All Utilities	$587/mo	$546/mo	↓ $40.62less	6.9%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $31.31more	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,292/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $8.38less	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 6.1%

Bel Air North, MD

$2,629

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$160

less

📦Other

↑ 6.8%

Bel Air North, MD

$1,600

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$108

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.0%

Bel Air North, MD

$1,054

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$94.90

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Bel Air North, MD

$587

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$40.62

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.5%

Bel Air North, MD

$570

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$31.31

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.6%

Bel Air North, MD

$1,292

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$8.38

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$916

To$1,570

↑ $654

1 Bed

From$1,075

To$1,640

↑ $565

2 Bed

From$1,314

To$1,800

↑ $486

3 Bed

From$1,752

To$2,255

↑ $503

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.

$7,732

Monthly in Bel Air North, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$165

Difference

Home Values

Bel Air North

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

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

Bel Air North, 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

Bel Air North, 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.