Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Towson, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.7% cheaper than Towson, MD. This translates to saving $278 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Towson, MD, you'd need approximately $146,660.206 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 7.4% cheaper than in Towson, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,333/month in Towson, MD.

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

Moving from Towson, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $278 per month, or $3340 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Towson, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in Towson, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $278/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$278

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

Towson, MD

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$512K

Towson, MD

The Old Line State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 60K 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: Towson, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Towson, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,667/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $199less	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,062/mo	$959/mo	↓ $103less	9.7%
📦Other	$1,623/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $84.76more	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$591/mo	$546/mo	↓ $44.86less	7.6%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$601/mo	↑ $27.19more	4.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,311/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $27.14less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.4%

Towson, MD

$2,667

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$199

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.7%

Towson, MD

$1,062

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$103

less

📦Other

↑ 5.2%

Towson, MD

$1,623

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$84.76

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.6%

Towson, MD

$591

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$44.86

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.7%

Towson, MD

$574

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$27.19

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.1%

Towson, MD

$1,311

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$27.14

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$929

To$1,570

↑ $641

1 Bed

From$1,091

To$1,640

↑ $549

2 Bed

From$1,333

To$1,800

↑ $467

3 Bed

From$1,777

To$2,255

↑ $478

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.

$7,828

Monthly in Towson, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$261

Difference

Home Values

Towson

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

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

Towson, 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

Towson, 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.