Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bethesda, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 32.8% cheaper than Bethesda, MD. This translates to saving $2460 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bethesda, MD, you'd need approximately $120,475.194 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 53.5% cheaper than in Bethesda, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,260/month in Bethesda, MD.

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

Moving from Bethesda, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2460 per month, or $29525 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bethesda, MD — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in Bethesda, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.5K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 32.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,460

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.5K

Per year

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

Bethesda, MD

Population:68K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$512K

Bethesda, MD

The Old Line State

68K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 68K 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: Bethesda, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bethesda, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,309/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,840less	53.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,790/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $506less	28.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,052/mo	$959/mo	↓ $92.43less	8.8%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$546/mo	↑ $51.19more	10.3%
📦Other	$1,733/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $25.43less	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$616/mo	$601/mo	↓ $14.88less	2.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.5%

Bethesda, MD

$5,309

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,840

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.3%

Bethesda, MD

$1,790

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$506

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.8%

Bethesda, MD

$1,052

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$92.43

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.3%

Bethesda, MD

$495

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$51.19

📦Other

↓ 1.5%

Bethesda, MD

$1,733

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$25.43

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.4%

Bethesda, MD

$616

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$14.88

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,534

To$1,570

↑ $36.00

1 Bed

From$1,776

To$1,640

↓ $136

2 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,800

↓ $460

3 Bed

From$3,148

To$2,255

↓ $893

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.

$10,995

Monthly in Bethesda, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,428

Difference

Home Values

Bethesda

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

Bethesda, 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

Bethesda, 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.