Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Pullman, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.6% more expensive than Pullman, WA. This translates to spending an extra $116 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pullman, WA, you'd need approximately $151,396.801 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 6.2% more expensive than in Pullman, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,207/month in Pullman, WA.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $116 more per month than Pullman, WA, or $1397 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Pullman, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $116/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$116

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Pullman, WA

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$512K

Pullman, WA

The Evergreen State

33K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 33K 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: Pullman, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Pullman, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,909/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $625less	32.7%
🏥Healthcare	$826/mo	$601/mo	↓ $225less	27.3%
📦Other	$1,548/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $159more	10.3%
🏠Housing	$2,325/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $143more	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,082/mo	$959/mo	↓ $123less	11.4%
⚡All Utilities	$482/mo	$546/mo	↑ $64.26more	13.3%

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.7%

Pullman, WA

$1,909

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$625

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.3%

Pullman, WA

$826

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$225

less

📦Other

↑ 10.3%

Pullman, WA

$1,548

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$159

🏠Housing

↑ 6.2%

Pullman, WA

$2,325

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$143

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.4%

Pullman, WA

$1,082

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$123

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.3%

Pullman, WA

$482

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$64.26

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$835

To$1,570

↑ $735

1 Bed

From$915

To$1,640

↑ $725

2 Bed

From$1,207

To$1,800

↑ $593

3 Bed

From$1,679

To$2,255

↑ $576

Pullman, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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.

$8,174

Monthly in Pullman, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$607

Difference

Home Values

Pullman

Raleigh

$414K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +22.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$414K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 24% more expensive than Pullman

Calculate payment - Pullman 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

Pullman, 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

Pullman, 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.