Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Rochester, NH?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 16.0% cheaper than Rochester, NH. This translates to saving $1202 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Rochester, NH?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NH, you'd need approximately $135,572.081 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NH and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 32.9% cheaper than in Rochester, NH. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,213/month in Rochester, NH.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NH to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Rochester, NH to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1202 per month, or $14428 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NH vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rochester, NH — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Rochester, NH

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.6K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,202

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.4K

Per year

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

Rochester, NH

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$379K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$512K

Rochester, NH

The Live Free or Die State

34K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in New Hampshire, this city has a population of 34K residents.

💡 Advantage: New Hampshire 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: Rochester, NH vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Rochester, NH	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,681/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,212less	32.9%
📦Other	$1,415/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $293more	20.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,419/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $135less	9.5%
⚡All Utilities	$630/mo	$546/mo	↓ $83.86less	13.3%
🏥Healthcare	$655/mo	$601/mo	↓ $53.66less	8.2%
🛒Groceries	$950/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.04more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.9%

Rochester, NH

$3,681

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,212

less

📦Other

↑ 20.7%

Rochester, NH

$1,415

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$293

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.5%

Rochester, NH

$1,419

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$135

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.3%

Rochester, NH

$630

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$83.86

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.2%

Rochester, NH

$655

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$53.66

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Rochester, NH

$950

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$9.04

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$883

To$1,570

↑ $687

1 Bed

From$929

To$1,640

↑ $711

2 Bed

From$1,213

To$1,800

↑ $587

3 Bed

From$1,489

To$2,255

↑ $766

Rochester, NHZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,410/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.

$8,750

Monthly in Rochester, NH

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,183

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Raleigh

$379K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +55.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$379K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 35% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester 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

Rochester, NH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Hampshire 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

Rochester, NH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:1.9%

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.