Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Burlington, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.9% more expensive than Burlington, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Burlington, NC, you'd need approximately $150,786.204 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Burlington, NC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 7.6% more expensive than in Burlington, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $964/month in Burlington, NC.

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

Burlington, NC and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Burlington, NC vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Burlington, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Durham, NC area

Current salary in Burlington, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $65.52/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$65.52

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$786

Per year

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

Burlington, NC

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

Burlington, NC

The Tar Heel State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 60K 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: Burlington, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Burlington, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,294/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $175more	7.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,235/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $49.31more	4.0%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $33.37more	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$941/mo	$959/mo	↑ $18.60more	2.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $11.65more	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$536/mo	$546/mo	↑ $10.59more	2.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 7.6%

Burlington, NC

$2,294

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$175

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.0%

Burlington, NC

$1,235

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$49.31

📦Other

↑ 2.0%

Burlington, NC

$1,674

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$33.37

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.0%

Burlington, NC

$941

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$18.60

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Burlington, NC

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$11.65

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.0%

Burlington, NC

$536

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.59

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$711

To$1,570

↑ $859

1 Bed

From$875

To$1,640

↑ $765

2 Bed

From$964

To$1,800

↑ $836

3 Bed

From$1,193

To$2,255

↑ $1,062

Burlington, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070–$1,070/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.

$7,269

Monthly in Burlington, NC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$298

Difference

Home Values

Burlington

Raleigh

$218K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +53.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$218K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 135% more expensive than Burlington

Calculate payment - Burlington Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Burlington, 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

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

Burlington, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.