Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Burlington, VT?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Burlington, VT, you'd need approximately $150,839.903 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 19.4% cheaper than in Burlington, VT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,283/month in Burlington, VT.

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

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

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Burlington, VT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Burlington, VT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $69.99/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

$69.99

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$840

Per year

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

Burlington, VT

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$549K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

Burlington, VT

The Green Mountain State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Vermont, this city has a population of 45K 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, VT vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Burlington, VT	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,062/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $594less	19.4%
📦Other	$1,177/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $531more	45.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,181/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $103more	8.8%
🛒Groceries	$867/mo	$959/mo	↑ $92.57more	10.7%
⚡All Utilities	$575/mo	$546/mo	↓ $28.46less	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$597/mo	$601/mo	↑ $3.88more	0.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.4%

Burlington, VT

$3,062

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$594

less

📦Other

↑ 45.1%

Burlington, VT

$1,177

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$531

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.8%

Burlington, VT

$1,181

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$103

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.7%

Burlington, VT

$867

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$92.57

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.9%

Burlington, VT

$575

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$28.46

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.7%

Burlington, VT

$597

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$3.88

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$899

To$1,570

↑ $671

1 Bed

From$992

To$1,640

↑ $648

2 Bed

From$1,283

To$1,800

↑ $517

3 Bed

From$1,645

To$2,255

↑ $610

Burlington, VTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,810–$1,810/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.

$7,459

Monthly in Burlington, VT

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$109

Difference

Home Values

Burlington

Raleigh

$549K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +28.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$549K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 7% less 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

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$163

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Burlington, VT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Vermont State Tax

Effective: 6.1%

$9.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.7%

$46.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,659/month

$103.9K

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, VT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:1.9%

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.