Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Middletown, CT?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.8% more expensive than Middletown, CT. This translates to spending an extra $285 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Middletown, CT?

If you earn $150,000 in Middletown, CT, you'd need approximately $153,418.386 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Middletown, CT and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 35.5% cheaper than in Middletown, CT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $913/month in Middletown, CT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Middletown, CT to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $285 more per month than Middletown, CT, or $3418 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Middletown, CT vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Middletown, CT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from New York, NY area

Current salary in Middletown, CT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $285/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$285

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.4K

Per year

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

Middletown, CT

Population:48K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$343K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Middletown, CT

The Constitution State

48K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 48K 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: Middletown, CT vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Middletown, CT	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,829/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,360less	35.5%
📦Other	$1,131/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $576more	50.9%
🚗Transportation	$891/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $393more	44.1%
⚡All Utilities	$447/mo	$546/mo	↑ $98.95more	22.1%
🛒Groceries	$869/mo	$959/mo	↑ $90.30more	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$513/mo	$601/mo	↑ $88.06more	17.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.5%

Middletown, CT

$3,829

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,360

less

📦Other

↑ 50.9%

Middletown, CT

$1,131

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$576

🚗Transportation

↑ 44.1%

Middletown, CT

$891

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$393

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.1%

Middletown, CT

$447

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$98.95

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.4%

Middletown, CT

$869

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$90.30

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.2%

Middletown, CT

$513

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$88.06

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$629

To$1,570

↑ $941

1 Bed

From$723

To$1,640

↑ $917

2 Bed

From$913

To$1,800

↑ $887

3 Bed

From$1,092

To$2,255

↑ $1,163

Middletown, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,530–$1,530/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.

$7,681

Monthly in Middletown, CT

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$114

Difference

Home Values

Middletown

Raleigh

$343K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +51.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$343K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 49% more expensive than Middletown

Calculate payment - Middletown Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $925

Per year

Monthly Difference

$77.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Middletown, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

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

Middletown, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

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.