Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bowie, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 32.5% cheaper than Bowie, MD. This translates to saving $2440 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bowie, MD, you'd need approximately $120,715.125 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 53.3% cheaper than in Bowie, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,428/month in Bowie, MD.

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

Moving from Bowie, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2440 per month, or $29285 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bowie, MD — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Washington, DC area

Current salary in Bowie, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,440

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.3K

Per year

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

Bowie, MD

Population:57K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$526K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$512K

Bowie, MD

The Old Line State

57K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 57K 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: Bowie, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bowie, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,288/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,819less	53.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,783/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $499less	28.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,050/mo	$959/mo	↓ $90.35less	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$494/mo	$546/mo	↑ $52.17more	10.6%
📦Other	$1,726/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $18.58less	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$615/mo	$601/mo	↓ $13.67less	2.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.3%

Bowie, MD

$5,288

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,819

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.0%

Bowie, MD

$1,783

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$499

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.6%

Bowie, MD

$1,050

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$90.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.6%

Bowie, MD

$494

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$52.17

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

Bowie, MD

$1,726

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$18.58

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.2%

Bowie, MD

$615

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$13.67

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Bowie, MD: Prince George's County Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

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$2,111

To$1,570

↓ $541

1 Bed

From$2,175

To$1,640

↓ $535

2 Bed

From$2,428

To$1,800

↓ $628

3 Bed

From$3,068

To$2,255

↓ $813

Bowie, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,480–$2,930/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.

$10,956

Monthly in Bowie, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,389

Difference

Home Values

Bowie

Raleigh

$526K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +21.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$480K - $572K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 3% less expensive than Bowie

Calculate payment - Bowie 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

Bowie, 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

Bowie, 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.