Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Maple Valley, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 10.2% cheaper than Maple Valley, WA. This translates to saving $763 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Maple Valley, WA, you'd need approximately $140,843.213 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 15.7% cheaper than in Maple Valley, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,315/month in Maple Valley, WA.

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

Moving from Maple Valley, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $763 per month, or $9157 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Maple Valley, WA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Maple Valley, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Maple Valley, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $763/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$763

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

Per year

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

Maple Valley, WA

Population:28K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$777K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$512K

Maple Valley, WA

The Evergreen State

28K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 28K 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: Maple Valley, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Maple Valley, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,814/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $530less	29.2%
🏠Housing	$2,928/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $459less	15.7%
🏥Healthcare	$806/mo	$601/mo	↓ $205less	25.4%
📦Other	$1,568/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $140more	8.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,055/mo	$959/mo	↓ $95.70less	9.1%
⚡All Utilities	$470/mo	$546/mo	↑ $76.36more	16.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.2%

Maple Valley, WA

$1,814

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$530

less

🏠Housing

↓ 15.7%

Maple Valley, WA

$2,928

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$459

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.4%

Maple Valley, WA

$806

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$205

less

📦Other

↑ 8.9%

Maple Valley, WA

$1,568

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$140

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.1%

Maple Valley, WA

$1,055

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$95.70

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.2%

Maple Valley, WA

$470

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$76.36

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,917

To$1,570

↓ $347

1 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,640

↓ $350

2 Bed

From$2,315

To$1,800

↓ $515

3 Bed

From$3,030

To$2,255

↓ $775

Maple Valley, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,450–$2,450/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.

$8,641

Monthly in Maple Valley, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,074

Difference

Home Values

Maple Valley

Raleigh

$777K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$777K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 34% less expensive than Maple Valley

Calculate payment - Maple Valley 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

Maple Valley, 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

Maple Valley, 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.