Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 34.9% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2617 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $118,590.604 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 53.2% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Boston, MA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2617 per month, or $31409 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.6K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,617

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.4K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$512K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Boston, MA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,807less	53.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $546less	29.9%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$546/mo	↓ $169less	23.7%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$601/mo	↓ $143less	19.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $117less	6.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.2%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,807

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.9%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$546

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 23.7%

Boston, MA

$716

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$169

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 19.2%

Boston, MA

$743

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$143

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$120

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$117

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,570

↓ $1,525

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,640

↓ $1,615

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,800

↓ $2,065

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,255

↓ $2,375

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,902

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Raleigh

$961K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 47% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.