Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Moscow, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.3% more expensive than Moscow, ID. This translates to spending an extra $398 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Moscow, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Moscow, ID, you'd need approximately $154,779.651 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Moscow, ID and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 22.3% more expensive than in Moscow, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $841/month in Moscow, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Moscow, ID to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $398 more per month than Moscow, ID, or $4780 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Moscow, ID vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Moscow, ID — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

Current salary in Moscow, ID

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $398/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$398

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.8K

Per year

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

Moscow, ID

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$462K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Moscow, ID

The Gem State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Idaho, this city has a population of 26K 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: Moscow, ID vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Moscow, ID	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,841/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $557less	30.3%
🏠Housing	$2,018/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $451more	22.3%
📦Other	$1,493/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $214more	14.4%
🏥Healthcare	$811/mo	$601/mo	↓ $210less	25.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,063/mo	$959/mo	↓ $103less	9.7%
⚡All Utilities	$473/mo	$546/mo	↑ $72.94more	15.4%

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.3%

Moscow, ID

$1,841

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$557

less

🏠Housing

↑ 22.3%

Moscow, ID

$2,018

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$451

📦Other

↑ 14.4%

Moscow, ID

$1,493

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$214

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.9%

Moscow, ID

$811

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$210

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.7%

Moscow, ID

$1,063

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$103

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.4%

Moscow, ID

$473

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$72.94

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$668

To$1,570

↑ $902

1 Bed

From$717

To$1,640

↑ $923

2 Bed

From$841

To$1,800

↑ $959

3 Bed

From$1,170

To$2,255

↑ $1,085

Moscow, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$870/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.

$7,700

Monthly in Moscow, ID

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$133

Difference

Home Values

Moscow

Raleigh

$462K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$462K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 11% more expensive than Moscow

Calculate payment - Moscow Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$760

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.1%

Rate difference

Moscow, ID

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Idaho State Tax

Effective: 10.8%

$16.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.5%

$53.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,062/month

$96.7K

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

Moscow, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.