Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Blaine, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.6% cheaper than Blaine, MN. This translates to saving $496 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Blaine, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Blaine, MN, you'd need approximately $144,050.442 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Blaine, MN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 1.6% more expensive than in Blaine, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,717/month in Blaine, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Blaine, MN to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Blaine, MN to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $496 per month, or $5950 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Blaine, MN vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Blaine, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Minneapolis, MN area

Current salary in Blaine, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $496/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$496

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.9K

Per year

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

Blaine, MN

Population:74K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$384K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$512K

Blaine, MN

The North Star State

74K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 74K 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: Blaine, MN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Blaine, MN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$741/mo	$601/mo	↓ $140less	18.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,009/mo	$959/mo	↓ $50.06less	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$546/mo	↑ $48.07more	9.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,327/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $42.81less	3.2%
🏠Housing	$2,429/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $39.51more	1.6%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $0.96more	0.1%

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.9%

Blaine, MN

$741

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$140

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.0%

Blaine, MN

$1,009

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$50.06

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Blaine, MN

$498

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$48.07

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.2%

Blaine, MN

$1,327

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$42.81

less

🏠Housing

↑ 1.6%

Blaine, MN

$2,429

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$39.51

📦Other

↑ 0.1%

Blaine, MN

$1,707

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$0.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,251

To$1,570

↑ $319

1 Bed

From$1,410

To$1,640

↑ $230

2 Bed

From$1,717

To$1,800

↑ $83.00

3 Bed

From$2,273

To$2,255

↓ $18.00

Blaine, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$1,760/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.

$7,712

Monthly in Blaine, MN

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$145

Difference

Home Values

Blaine

Raleigh

$384K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +21.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$324K - $445K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 33% more expensive than Blaine

Calculate payment - Blaine Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$276

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

Rate difference

Blaine, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Blaine, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

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.