Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than North Laurel, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.8% cheaper than North Laurel, MD. This translates to saving $135 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in North Laurel, MD, you'd need approximately $148,382.684 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 5.6% cheaper than in North Laurel, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,307/month in North Laurel, MD.

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

Moving from North Laurel, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $135 per month, or $1617 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 North Laurel, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in North Laurel, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $135/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$135

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

North Laurel, MD

Population:25K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$512K

North Laurel, MD

The Old Line State

25K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 25K 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: North Laurel, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	North Laurel, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,615/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $147less	5.6%
📦Other	$1,591/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $116more	7.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,051/mo	$959/mo	↓ $92.13less	8.8%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$546/mo	↓ $39.07less	6.7%
🏥Healthcare	$568/mo	$601/mo	↑ $32.80more	5.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,286/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $1.58less	0.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 5.6%

North Laurel, MD

$2,615

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$147

less

📦Other

↑ 7.3%

North Laurel, MD

$1,591

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$116

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.8%

North Laurel, MD

$1,051

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$92.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.7%

North Laurel, MD

$585

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$39.07

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.8%

North Laurel, MD

$568

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$32.80

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.1%

North Laurel, MD

$1,286

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$1.58

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$911

To$1,570

↑ $659

1 Bed

From$1,069

To$1,640

↑ $571

2 Bed

From$1,307

To$1,800

↑ $493

3 Bed

From$1,743

To$2,255

↑ $512

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.

$7,697

Monthly in North Laurel, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$130

Difference

Home Values

North Laurel

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

↑ $135

Per year

Monthly Difference

$11.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

North 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

North 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.