Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Kennewick, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.7% more expensive than Kennewick, WA. This translates to spending an extra $202 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Kennewick, WA, you'd need approximately $152,425.5 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 19.3% more expensive than in Kennewick, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,348/month in Kennewick, WA.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $202 more per month than Kennewick, WA, or $2426 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Kennewick, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

Current salary in Kennewick, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $202/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$202

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

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

Kennewick, WA

Population:85K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$392K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Kennewick, WA

The Evergreen State

85K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 85K 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: Kennewick, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Kennewick, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,888/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $604less	32.0%
🏠Housing	$2,070/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $399more	19.3%
🏥Healthcare	$822/mo	$601/mo	↓ $221less	26.9%
📦Other	$1,531/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $176more	11.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,076/mo	$959/mo	↓ $117less	10.9%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$546/mo	↑ $66.95more	14.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.0%

Kennewick, WA

$1,888

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$604

less

🏠Housing

↑ 19.3%

Kennewick, WA

$2,070

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$399

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.9%

Kennewick, WA

$822

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$221

less

📦Other

↑ 11.5%

Kennewick, WA

$1,531

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$176

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.9%

Kennewick, WA

$1,076

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.0%

Kennewick, WA

$479

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$66.95

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$980

To$1,570

↑ $590

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$1,640

↑ $529

2 Bed

From$1,348

To$1,800

↑ $452

3 Bed

From$1,817

To$2,255

↑ $438

Kennewick, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,390/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.

$7,866

Monthly in Kennewick, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$299

Difference

Home Values

Kennewick

Raleigh

$392K

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +28.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$362K - $423K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 30% more expensive than Kennewick

Calculate payment - Kennewick 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

Kennewick, 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

Kennewick, 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.