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

If you earn $150,000 in Chelsea, MA, you'd need approximately $122,504.432 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chelsea, MA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 44.5% cheaper than in Chelsea, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,096/month in Chelsea, MA.

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

Moving from Chelsea, MA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2291 per month, or $27496 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chelsea, MA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Chelsea, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 30.6% cheaper than Chelsea, MA. This translates to saving $2291 per month.

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chelsea, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,291

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.5K

Per year

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

Chelsea, MA

Population:38K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$516K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

(31% below avg)

Median Home:$512K

Chelsea, MA

The Bay State

38K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 38K 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: Chelsea, MA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Chelsea, MA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,451/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,982less	44.5%
Transportation	$1,716/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $432less	25.2%
All Utilities	$693/mo	$546/mo	↓ $147less	21.2%
Healthcare	$720/mo	$601/mo	↓ $119less	16.5%
Groceries	$1,045/mo	$959/mo	↓ $85.58less	8.2%
Other	$1,710/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $2.93less	0.2%

Housing

↓ 44.5%

Chelsea, MA

$4,451

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,982

less

Transportation

↓ 25.2%

Chelsea, MA

$1,716

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$432

less

All Utilities

↓ 21.2%

Chelsea, MA

$693

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$147

less

Healthcare

↓ 16.5%

Chelsea, MA

$720

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$119

less

Groceries

↓ 8.2%

Chelsea, MA

$1,045

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$85.58

less

Other

↓ 0.2%

Chelsea, MA

$1,710

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$2.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,681

To$1,570

↓ $111

1 Bed

From$1,761

To$1,640

↓ $121

2 Bed

From$2,096

To$1,800

↓ $296

3 Bed

From$2,510

To$2,255

↓ $255

Chelsea, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,210–$2,210/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.

$10,335

Monthly in Chelsea, MA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,768

Difference

Home Values

Chelsea

Raleigh

$516K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +18%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$516K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 1% less expensive than Chelsea

Calculate payment - Chelsea 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

Chelsea, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts 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

Chelsea, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.

Environment

Chelsea

Raleigh

36 Good

Air Quality

46 Good

79.5%

Good Air Days

61.7%

94 Moderate

Climate Risk

96 High

🌊🌅🌀

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+2.5°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

6 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

▲+2.5°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

6 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

What to Consider When Moving from Chelsea, MA to Raleigh, NC

Relocating from Chelsea, MA to Raleigh, NC involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 31% lower in Raleigh, NC, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Raleigh, NC is 45% cheaper than in Chelsea, MA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Raleigh, NC pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Raleigh, NC to match your current standard of living in Chelsea, MA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Raleigh, NC for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chelsea, MA vs Raleigh, NC

Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Chelsea, MA?

Yes, Raleigh, NC is about 30.6% cheaper than Chelsea, MA. You could save approximately $2,291/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 45% lower in Raleigh, NC.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to match my lifestyle in Chelsea, MA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Chelsea, MA, you would need approximately $122,504 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Chelsea, MA and Raleigh, NC?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,096/month in Chelsea, MA compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC. One-bedroom apartments are $1,761/month in Chelsea, MA vs $1,640/month in Raleigh, NC. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Chelsea, MA or Raleigh, NC?

Groceries are about 8% cheaper in Raleigh, NC than in Chelsea, MA, saving a typical household roughly $85.58/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Chelsea, MA to Raleigh, NC?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Massachusetts and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com