Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bowling Green, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.1% more expensive than Bowling Green, KY. This translates to spending an extra $161 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Bowling Green, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Bowling Green, KY, you'd need approximately $151,929.822 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bowling Green, KY and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 12.2% more expensive than in Bowling Green, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $968/month in Bowling Green, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bowling Green, KY to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $161 more per month than Bowling Green, KY, or $1930 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bowling Green, KY vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bowling Green, KY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Nashville, TN area

Current salary in Bowling Green, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $161/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$161

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Bowling Green, KY

Population:76K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$335K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$512K

Bowling Green, KY

The Bluegrass State

76K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 76K 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: Bowling Green, KY vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bowling Green, KY	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,199/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $269more	12.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,184/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $100more	8.5%
📦Other	$1,790/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $82.85less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$546/mo	↑ $47.98more	9.6%
🛒Groceries	$912/mo	$959/mo	↑ $47.78more	5.2%
🏥Healthcare	$583/mo	$601/mo	↑ $17.97more	3.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.2%

Bowling Green, KY

$2,199

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$269

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.5%

Bowling Green, KY

$1,184

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$100

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

Bowling Green, KY

$1,790

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$82.85

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Bowling Green, KY

$498

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$47.98

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.2%

Bowling Green, KY

$912

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$47.78

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.1%

Bowling Green, KY

$583

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$17.97

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Bowling Green, KY: Bowling Green Occupational Tax$2,700/yr (1.8%)

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$748

To$1,570

↑ $822

1 Bed

From$823

To$1,640

↑ $817

2 Bed

From$968

To$1,800

↑ $832

3 Bed

From$1,164

To$2,255

↑ $1,091

Bowling Green, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,010–$1,090/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.

$7,167

Monthly in Bowling Green, KY

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$400

Difference

Home Values

Bowling Green

Raleigh

$335K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +34.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$319K - $352K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 53% more expensive than Bowling Green

Calculate payment - Bowling Green 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

Bowling Green, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky 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

Bowling Green, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.