Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Laurel, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 31.5% cheaper than Laurel, MD. This translates to saving $2362 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Laurel, MD, you'd need approximately $121,658.48 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 52.6% cheaper than in Laurel, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,837/month in Laurel, MD.

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

Moving from Laurel, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2362 per month, or $28342 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Laurel, MD vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Laurel, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.7K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 31.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,362

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.3K

Per year

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

Laurel, MD

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$461K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$512K

Laurel, MD

The Old Line State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 29K 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: Laurel, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Laurel, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,207/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,738less	52.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,756/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $472less	26.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$959/mo	↓ $82.29less	7.9%
⚡All Utilities	$490/mo	$546/mo	↑ $55.97more	11.4%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$601/mo	↓ $8.95less	1.5%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $7.83more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.6%

Laurel, MD

$5,207

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,738

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.9%

Laurel, MD

$1,756

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$472

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.9%

Laurel, MD

$1,042

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$82.29

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.4%

Laurel, MD

$490

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$55.97

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.5%

Laurel, MD

$610

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$8.95

less

📦Other

↑ 0.5%

Laurel, MD

$1,700

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$7.83

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,512

To$1,570

↑ $58.00

1 Bed

From$1,607

To$1,640

↑ $33.00

2 Bed

From$1,837

To$1,800

↓ $37.00

3 Bed

From$2,336

To$2,255

↓ $81.00

Laurel, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$2,120/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.

$10,804

Monthly in Laurel, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,237

Difference

Home Values

Laurel

Raleigh

$461K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +24.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$409K - $574K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 11% more expensive than Laurel

Calculate payment - Laurel 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

Laurel, 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

Laurel, 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.