Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Methuen Town, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 29.9% cheaper than Methuen Town, MA. This translates to saving $2244 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Methuen Town, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Methuen Town, MA, you'd need approximately $123,075.178 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Methuen Town, MA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 44.0% cheaper than in Methuen Town, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,448/month in Methuen Town, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Methuen Town, MA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Methuen Town, MA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2244 per month, or $26925 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Methuen Town, MA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Methuen Town, MA — COL adjusted from Boston, MA area + state data

Current salary in Methuen Town, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $123.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 29.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,244

Savings

Annual Impact

$26.9K

Per year

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

Methuen Town, MA

Population:53K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$512K

Methuen Town, MA

The Bay State

53K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 53K 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: Methuen Town, MA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Methuen Town, MA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,410/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,942less	44.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,700/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $416less	24.5%
⚡All Utilities	$690/mo	$546/mo	↓ $143less	20.8%
🏥Healthcare	$717/mo	$601/mo	↓ $116less	16.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$959/mo	↓ $80.84less	7.8%
📦Other	$1,695/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $12.55more	0.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.0%

Methuen Town, MA

$4,410

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,942

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.5%

Methuen Town, MA

$1,700

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$416

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 20.8%

Methuen Town, MA

$690

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$143

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.1%

Methuen Town, MA

$717

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$116

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Methuen Town, MA

$1,040

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$80.84

less

📦Other

↑ 0.7%

Methuen Town, MA

$1,695

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$12.55

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,698

To$1,570

↓ $128

1 Bed

From$1,974

To$1,640

↓ $334

2 Bed

From$2,448

To$1,800

↓ $648

3 Bed

From$3,158

To$2,255

↓ $903

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.

$10,252

Monthly in Methuen Town, MA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,685

Difference

Home Values

Methuen Town

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

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Methuen Town, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Methuen Town, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.