Is Washington, DC cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 56.7% more expensive than Raleigh, NC. This translates to spending an extra $4253 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $201,030.928 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 151.6% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $4253 more per month than Raleigh, NC, or $51031 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Washington, DC: 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 $4.3K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $201.0K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 56.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,253

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$51.0K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

157

(57% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Raleigh, NC vs Washington, DC

Category	Raleigh, NC	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,742more	151.6%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $601more	46.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $117more	6.9%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$508/mo	↓ $38.25less	7.0%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$632/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.2%

Housing

↑ 151.6%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,742

Transportation

↑ 46.8%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$601

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$120

Other

↑ 6.9%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$117

All Utilities

↓ 7.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$38.25

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$30.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$2,150

↑ $580

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$2,215

↑ $575

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,470

↑ $670

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$3,115

↑ $860

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,573

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Washington

$512K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 9% more expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$335

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.