Is Boston, MA cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 53.6% more expensive than Raleigh, NC. This translates to spending an extra $4021 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $198,247.423 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 113.7% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $4021 more per month than Raleigh, NC, or $48247 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.0K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $198.2K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 53.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,021

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$48.2K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$512K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

154

(54% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Raleigh, NC vs Boston, MA

Category	Raleigh, NC	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,807more	113.7%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $546more	42.6%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$716/mo	↑ $169more	31.0%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$743/mo	↑ $143more	23.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $117more	6.9%

Housing

↑ 113.7%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,807

Transportation

↑ 42.6%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$546

All Utilities

↑ 31.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$169

Healthcare

↑ 23.7%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$143

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$120

Other

↑ 6.9%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$117

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$3,095

↑ $1,525

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$3,255

↑ $1,615

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$3,865

↑ $2,065

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$4,630

↑ $2,375

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,902

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Boston

$512K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 88% more expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $375

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$31.25

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.