Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bellingham, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 14.4% cheaper than Bellingham, WA. This translates to saving $1079 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Bellingham, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bellingham, WA, you'd need approximately $137,053.056 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bellingham, WA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 44.7% cheaper than in Bellingham, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,002/month in Bellingham, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bellingham, WA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Bellingham, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1079 per month, or $12947 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bellingham, WA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bellingham, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Bellingham, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,079

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.9K

Per year

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

Bellingham, WA

Population:95K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$639K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$512K

Bellingham, WA

The Evergreen State

95K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 95K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Bellingham, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bellingham, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,468/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,999less	44.7%
📦Other	$1,301/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $406more	31.2%
⚡All Utilities	$390/mo	$546/mo	↑ $156more	40.0%
🛒Groceries	$876/mo	$959/mo	↑ $83.40more	9.5%
🏥Healthcare	$669/mo	$601/mo	↓ $67.81less	10.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $33.32more	2.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.7%

Bellingham, WA

$4,468

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,999

less

📦Other

↑ 31.2%

Bellingham, WA

$1,301

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$406

⚡All Utilities

↑ 40.0%

Bellingham, WA

$390

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$156

🛒Groceries

↑ 9.5%

Bellingham, WA

$876

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$83.40

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.1%

Bellingham, WA

$669

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$67.81

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.7%

Bellingham, WA

$1,251

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$33.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$815

To$1,570

↑ $755

1 Bed

From$831

To$1,640

↑ $809

2 Bed

From$1,002

To$1,800

↑ $798

3 Bed

From$1,394

To$2,255

↑ $861

Bellingham, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,460–$1,510/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.

$8,955

Monthly in Bellingham, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,388

Difference

Home Values

Bellingham

Raleigh

$639K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$630K - $649K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 20% less expensive than Bellingham

Calculate payment - Bellingham Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Bellingham, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Bellingham, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.