Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Lakewood, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 11.7% cheaper than Lakewood, WA. This translates to saving $881 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, WA, you'd need approximately $139,427.472 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.2% cheaper than in Lakewood, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,530/month in Lakewood, WA.

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

Moving from Lakewood, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $881 per month, or $10573 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lakewood, WA — COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area + state data

Current salary in Lakewood, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $881/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$881

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.6K

Per year

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

Lakewood, WA

Population:62K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$560K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$512K

Lakewood, WA

The Evergreen State

62K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 62K 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: Lakewood, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Lakewood, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,847/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $563less	30.5%
🏠Housing	$2,980/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $511less	17.2%
🏥Healthcare	$813/mo	$601/mo	↓ $212less	26.1%
📦Other	$1,596/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $112more	7.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,064/mo	$959/mo	↓ $105less	9.9%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$546/mo	↑ $72.19more	15.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.5%

Lakewood, WA

$1,847

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$563

less

🏠Housing

↓ 17.2%

Lakewood, WA

$2,980

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$511

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.1%

Lakewood, WA

$813

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$212

less

📦Other

↑ 7.0%

Lakewood, WA

$1,596

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$112

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.9%

Lakewood, WA

$1,064

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.2%

Lakewood, WA

$474

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$72.19

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,033

To$1,570

↑ $537

1 Bed

From$1,199

To$1,640

↑ $441

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,800

↑ $270

3 Bed

From$2,150

To$2,255

↑ $105

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.

$8,774

Monthly in Lakewood, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,207

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

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

Lakewood, 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

Lakewood, 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.