Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than College Park, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 31.7% cheaper than College Park, MD. This translates to saving $2380 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in College Park, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in College Park, MD, you'd need approximately $121,442.411 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between College Park, MD and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 52.8% cheaper than in College Park, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,907/month in College Park, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from College Park, MD to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from College Park, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2380 per month, or $28558 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

College Park, MD vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 College Park, MD — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Washington, DC area

Current salary in College Park, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 31.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,380

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.6K

Per year

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

College Park, MD

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$432K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$512K

College Park, MD

The Old Line State

34K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 34K 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: College Park, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	College Park, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,225/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,756less	52.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,762/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $478less	27.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,043/mo	$959/mo	↓ $84.12less	8.1%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$546/mo	↑ $55.10more	11.2%
🏥Healthcare	$611/mo	$601/mo	↓ $10.02less	1.6%
📦Other	$1,706/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $1.85more	0.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.8%

College Park, MD

$5,225

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,756

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.1%

College Park, MD

$1,762

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$478

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.1%

College Park, MD

$1,043

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$84.12

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.2%

College Park, MD

$491

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$55.10

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.6%

College Park, MD

$611

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$10.02

less

📦Other

↑ 0.1%

College Park, MD

$1,706

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$1.85

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,661

To$1,570

↓ $91.00

1 Bed

From$1,708

To$1,640

↓ $68.00

2 Bed

From$1,907

To$1,800

↓ $107

3 Bed

From$2,407

To$2,255

↓ $152

College Park, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,150–$2,150/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.

$10,839

Monthly in College Park, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,272

Difference

Home Values

College Park

Raleigh

$432K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +17.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$432K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 18% more expensive than College Park

Calculate payment - College Park Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $135

Per year

Monthly Difference

$11.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

College Park, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

College Park, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.