Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Salisbury, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.4% more expensive than Salisbury, MD. This translates to spending an extra $404 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Salisbury, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Salisbury, MD, you'd need approximately $154,851.921 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salisbury, MD and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 1.3% more expensive than in Salisbury, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $996/month in Salisbury, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Salisbury, MD to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $404 more per month than Salisbury, MD, or $4852 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salisbury, MD vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Salisbury, MD — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area

Current salary in Salisbury, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $404/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$404

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.9K

Per year

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

Salisbury, MD

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$284K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Salisbury, MD

The Old Line State

33K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 33K 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: Salisbury, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Salisbury, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,483/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $225more	15.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,198/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $86.10more	7.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,015/mo	$959/mo	↓ $55.64less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$548/mo	$601/mo	↑ $52.52more	9.6%
🏠Housing	$2,437/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $31.84more	1.3%
⚡All Utilities	$565/mo	$546/mo	↓ $18.75less	3.3%

📦Other

↑ 15.2%

Salisbury, MD

$1,483

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$225

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.2%

Salisbury, MD

$1,198

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$86.10

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Salisbury, MD

$1,015

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$55.64

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.6%

Salisbury, MD

$548

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$52.52

🏠Housing

↑ 1.3%

Salisbury, MD

$2,437

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$31.84

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.3%

Salisbury, MD

$565

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$18.75

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Salisbury, MD: Wicomico County Income Tax$4,650/yr (3.1%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$753

To$1,570

↑ $817

1 Bed

From$760

To$1,640

↑ $880

2 Bed

From$996

To$1,800

↑ $804

3 Bed

From$1,314

To$2,255

↑ $941

Salisbury, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,030–$1,030/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.

$7,246

Monthly in Salisbury, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$321

Difference

Home Values

Salisbury

Raleigh

$284K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +39.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$284K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 80% more expensive than Salisbury

Calculate payment - Salisbury Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $135

Per year

Monthly Difference

$11.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Salisbury, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Salisbury, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.