Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bethlehem, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.4% more expensive than Bethlehem, PA. This translates to spending an extra $258 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Bethlehem, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bethlehem, PA, you'd need approximately $153,100.357 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bethlehem, PA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 28.0% more expensive than in Bethlehem, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,343/month in Bethlehem, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bethlehem, PA to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $258 more per month than Bethlehem, PA, or $3100 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bethlehem, PA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bethlehem, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Philadelphia, PA area

Current salary in Bethlehem, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $258/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$258

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.1K

Per year

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

Bethlehem, PA

Population:78K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$282K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Bethlehem, PA

The Keystone State

78K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 78K 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: Bethlehem, PA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bethlehem, PA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,929/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $540more	28.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,063/mo	$959/mo	↓ $104less	9.7%
📦Other	$1,644/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $63.32more	3.9%
⚡All Utilities	$584/mo	$546/mo	↓ $37.42less	6.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,316/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $32.29less	2.5%
🏥Healthcare	$584/mo	$601/mo	↑ $16.52more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.0%

Bethlehem, PA

$1,929

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$540

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.7%

Bethlehem, PA

$1,063

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$104

less

📦Other

↑ 3.9%

Bethlehem, PA

$1,644

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$63.32

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.4%

Bethlehem, PA

$584

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$37.42

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.5%

Bethlehem, PA

$1,316

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$32.29

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.8%

Bethlehem, PA

$584

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$16.52

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Bethlehem, PA: Bethlehem Earned Income Tax$4,125/yr (2.8%)

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$929

To$1,570

↑ $641

1 Bed

From$1,103

To$1,640

↑ $537

2 Bed

From$1,343

To$1,800

↑ $457

3 Bed

From$1,717

To$2,255

↑ $538

Bethlehem, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,440/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.

$7,120

Monthly in Bethlehem, PA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$447

Difference

Home Values

Bethlehem

Raleigh

$282K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +43.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$278K - $286K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 81% more expensive than Bethlehem

Calculate payment - Bethlehem Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$210

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

Bethlehem, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Bethlehem, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.