Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Orchards, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 19.9% cheaper than Orchards, WA. This translates to saving $1494 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Orchards, WA, you'd need approximately $132,069.078 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 37.4% cheaper than in Orchards, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,663/month in Orchards, WA.

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

Moving from Orchards, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1494 per month, or $17931 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Orchards, WA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Orchards, WA — COL adjusted from Portland, OR area + state data

Current salary in Orchards, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $132.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 19.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,494

Savings

Annual Impact

$17.9K

Per year

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

Orchards, WA

Population:28K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:80

Median Home:$512K

Orchards, 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: Orchards, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Orchards, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,945/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,476less	37.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,604/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $320less	19.9%
⚡All Utilities	$459/mo	$546/mo	↑ $87.53more	19.1%
📦Other	$1,794/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $86.33less	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,032/mo	$959/mo	↓ $72.81less	7.1%
🏥Healthcare	$640/mo	$601/mo	↓ $38.95less	6.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.4%

Orchards, WA

$3,945

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,476

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

Orchards, WA

$1,604

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$320

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.1%

Orchards, WA

$459

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$87.53

📦Other

↓ 4.8%

Orchards, WA

$1,794

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$86.33

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.1%

Orchards, WA

$1,032

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$72.81

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.1%

Orchards, WA

$640

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$38.95

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,109

To$1,570

↑ $461

1 Bed

From$1,307

To$1,640

↑ $333

2 Bed

From$1,663

To$1,800

↑ $137

3 Bed

From$2,297

To$2,255

↓ $42.00

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.

$9,473

Monthly in Orchards, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,906

Difference

Home Values

Orchards

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

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Orchards, 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

Orchards, 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.