Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 43.6% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $3270 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $110,755.814 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 67.2% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3270 per month, or $39244 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

Tap to swap

Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.8K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 43.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,270

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.2K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$512K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Seattle, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,068less	67.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $615less	32.4%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $268less	13.6%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$601/mo	↓ $223less	27.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$546/mo	↑ $65.57more	13.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 67.2%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,068

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.4%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$615

less

📦Other

↓ 13.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$268

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.1%

Seattle, WA

$824

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$223

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.6%

Seattle, WA

$481

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$65.57

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,570

↓ $610

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,640

↓ $620

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,800

↓ $830

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,255

↓ $1,185

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,227

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Raleigh

$808K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 37% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.