Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Burien, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 40.1% cheaper than Burien, WA. This translates to saving $3008 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Burien, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Burien, WA, you'd need approximately $113,907.704 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Burien, WA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 61.3% cheaper than in Burien, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,745/month in Burien, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Burien, WA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Burien, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3008 per month, or $36092 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Burien, WA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Burien, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Burien, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,008

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

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

Burien, WA

Population:51K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$668K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$512K

Burien, WA

The Evergreen State

51K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 51K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Burien, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Burien, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,386/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,917less	61.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,788/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $504less	28.2%
🏥Healthcare	$800/mo	$601/mo	↓ $199less	24.8%
📦Other	$1,860/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $152less	8.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$959/mo	↓ $87.89less	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$467/mo	$546/mo	↑ $79.84more	17.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.3%

Burien, WA

$6,386

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,917

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.2%

Burien, WA

$1,788

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$504

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 24.8%

Burien, WA

$800

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$199

less

📦Other

↓ 8.2%

Burien, WA

$1,860

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$152

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Burien, WA

$1,047

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$87.89

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.1%

Burien, WA

$467

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$79.84

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,449

To$1,570

↑ $121

1 Bed

From$1,497

To$1,640

↑ $143

2 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,800

↑ $55.00

3 Bed

From$2,281

To$2,255

↓ $26.00

Burien, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,870–$1,870/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.

$12,347

Monthly in Burien, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,780

Difference

Home Values

Burien

Raleigh

$668K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +19.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$668K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 23% less expensive than Burien

Calculate payment - Burien Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Burien, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Burien, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.