Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Somerville, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 31.7% cheaper than Somerville, MA. This translates to saving $2379 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Somerville, MA, you'd need approximately $121,449.403 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 45.5% cheaper than in Somerville, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,812/month in Somerville, MA.

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

Moving from Somerville, MA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2379 per month, or $28551 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Somerville, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 31.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,379

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.6K

Per year

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

Somerville, MA

Population:80K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$911K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$512K

Somerville, MA

The Bay State

80K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 80K 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: Somerville, MA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Somerville, MA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,527/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,058less	45.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,745/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $461less	26.4%
⚡All Utilities	$699/mo	$546/mo	↓ $153less	21.8%
🏥Healthcare	$726/mo	$601/mo	↓ $125less	17.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,054/mo	$959/mo	↓ $94.51less	9.0%
📦Other	$1,740/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $32.29less	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.5%

Somerville, MA

$4,527

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,058

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.4%

Somerville, MA

$1,745

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$461

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.8%

Somerville, MA

$699

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$153

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.2%

Somerville, MA

$726

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$125

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.0%

Somerville, MA

$1,054

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$94.51

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Somerville, MA

$1,740

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$32.29

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,253

To$1,570

↓ $683

1 Bed

From$2,367

To$1,640

↓ $727

2 Bed

From$2,812

To$1,800

↓ $1,012

3 Bed

From$3,371

To$2,255

↓ $1,116

Somerville, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,820–$3,060/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.

$10,491

Monthly in Somerville, MA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,924

Difference

Home Values

Somerville

Raleigh

$911K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +14.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$821K - $1.02M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 44% less expensive than Somerville

Calculate payment - Somerville 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

Somerville, 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

Somerville, 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.