Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 25.4% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1904 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $127,153.846 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 47.5% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, OR to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Portland, OR to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1904 per month, or $22846 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Portland, OR

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,904

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.8K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$512K

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

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: Portland, OR vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Portland, OR	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,235less	47.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $437less	25.4%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $218less	11.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$959/mo	↓ $110less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$546/mo	↑ $71.03more	14.9%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$601/mo	↓ $61.96less	9.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 47.5%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,235

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.4%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$437

less

📦Other

↓ 11.3%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$218

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.3%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$110

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.9%

Portland, OR

$475

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$71.03

🏥Healthcare

↓ 9.3%

Portland, OR

$663

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$61.96

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,555

To$1,570

↑ $15.00

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,640

↓ $15.00

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,800

↓ $100

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,255

↓ $335

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,990

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Raleigh

$535K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 4% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$699

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

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.