Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Pawtucket, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 28.1% cheaper than Pawtucket, RI. This translates to saving $2104 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Pawtucket, RI?

If you earn $150,000 in Pawtucket, RI, you'd need approximately $124,751.872 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Pawtucket, RI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 42.5% cheaper than in Pawtucket, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,261/month in Pawtucket, RI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Pawtucket, RI to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Pawtucket, RI to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2104 per month, or $25248 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pawtucket, RI vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Pawtucket, RI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Pawtucket, RI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,104

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.2K

Per year

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

Pawtucket, RI

Population:75K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$383K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$512K

Pawtucket, RI

The Ocean State

75K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Rhode Island, this city has a population of 75K 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: Pawtucket, RI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Pawtucket, RI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,296/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,827less	42.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,656/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $372less	22.5%
⚡All Utilities	$681/mo	$546/mo	↓ $134less	19.8%
🏥Healthcare	$707/mo	$601/mo	↓ $106less	15.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,027/mo	$959/mo	↓ $67.28less	6.6%
📦Other	$1,651/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $56.44more	3.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 42.5%

Pawtucket, RI

$4,296

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,827

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.5%

Pawtucket, RI

$1,656

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$372

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.8%

Pawtucket, RI

$681

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$134

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

Pawtucket, RI

$707

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$106

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.6%

Pawtucket, RI

$1,027

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$67.28

less

📦Other

↑ 3.4%

Pawtucket, RI

$1,651

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$56.44

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$961

To$1,570

↑ $609

1 Bed

From$1,023

To$1,640

↑ $617

2 Bed

From$1,261

To$1,800

↑ $539

3 Bed

From$1,523

To$2,255

↑ $732

Pawtucket, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,350/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.

$10,018

Monthly in Pawtucket, RI

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,451

Difference

Home Values

Pawtucket

Raleigh

$383K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +49.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$379K - $387K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 34% more expensive than Pawtucket

Calculate payment - Pawtucket Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $682

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$56.83

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Pawtucket, RI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Rhode Island State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.0%

$43.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,879/month

$106.5K

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

Pawtucket, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.