Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Tumwater, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 9.6% cheaper than Tumwater, WA. This translates to saving $723 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tumwater, WA, you'd need approximately $141,329.144 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 15.2% cheaper than in Tumwater, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,494/month in Tumwater, WA.

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

Moving from Tumwater, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $723 per month, or $8671 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tumwater, WA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Tumwater, WA — COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area + state data

Current salary in Tumwater, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $723/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.3K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 9.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$723

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.7K

Per year

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

Tumwater, WA

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$560K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$512K

Tumwater, WA

The Evergreen State

27K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 27K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Tumwater, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Tumwater, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,804/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $520less	28.8%
🏠Housing	$2,910/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $442less	15.2%
🏥Healthcare	$803/mo	$601/mo	↓ $202less	25.2%
📦Other	$1,558/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $149more	9.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,052/mo	$959/mo	↓ $92.54less	8.8%
⚡All Utilities	$469/mo	$546/mo	↑ $77.76more	16.6%

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.8%

Tumwater, WA

$1,804

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$520

less

🏠Housing

↓ 15.2%

Tumwater, WA

$2,910

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$442

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.2%

Tumwater, WA

$803

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$202

less

📦Other

↑ 9.6%

Tumwater, WA

$1,558

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$149

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.8%

Tumwater, WA

$1,052

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$92.54

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.6%

Tumwater, WA

$469

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$77.76

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,009

To$1,570

↑ $561

1 Bed

From$1,171

To$1,640

↑ $469

2 Bed

From$1,494

To$1,800

↑ $306

3 Bed

From$2,099

To$2,255

↑ $156

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.

$8,596

Monthly in Tumwater, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,029

Difference

Home Values

Tumwater

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

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Tumwater, 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

Tumwater, 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.