Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Salem, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 30.8% cheaper than Salem, MA. This translates to saving $2310 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, MA, you'd need approximately $122,280.789 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 44.7% cheaper than in Salem, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,047/month in Salem, MA.

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

Moving from Salem, MA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2310 per month, or $27719 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Salem, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,310

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.7K

Per year

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

Salem, MA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$590K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$512K

Salem, MA

The Bay State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 45K residents.

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: Salem, MA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Salem, MA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,467/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,998less	44.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,722/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $438less	25.4%
⚡All Utilities	$694/mo	$546/mo	↓ $148less	21.3%
🏥Healthcare	$721/mo	$601/mo	↓ $120less	16.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$959/mo	↓ $87.45less	8.4%
📦Other	$1,717/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $9.07less	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.7%

Salem, MA

$4,467

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,998

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.4%

Salem, MA

$1,722

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$438

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.3%

Salem, MA

$694

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$148

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Salem, MA

$721

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$120

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Salem, MA

$1,047

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$87.45

less

📦Other

↓ 0.5%

Salem, MA

$1,717

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$9.07

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,631

To$1,570

↓ $61.00

1 Bed

From$1,727

To$1,640

↓ $87.00

2 Bed

From$2,047

To$1,800

↓ $247

3 Bed

From$2,463

To$2,255

↓ $208

Salem, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,160–$2,160/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.

$10,367

Monthly in Salem, MA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,800

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Raleigh

$590K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +30.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$590K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 13% less expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Salem, 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

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

Salem, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.