Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Vancouver, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 23.4% cheaper than Vancouver, WA. This translates to saving $1756 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Vancouver, WA, you'd need approximately $128,924.282 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 40.1% cheaper than in Vancouver, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,516/month in Vancouver, WA.

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

Moving from Vancouver, WA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1756 per month, or $21076 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Vancouver, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Portland, OR area

Current salary in Vancouver, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,756

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.1K

Per year

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

Vancouver, WA

Population:196K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$463K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:77

Median Home:$512K

Vancouver, WA

The Evergreen State

196K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 196K 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: Vancouver, WA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Vancouver, WA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,125/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,656less	40.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,677/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $393less	23.4%
📦Other	$1,876/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $168less	9.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,055/mo	$959/mo	↓ $96.10less	9.1%
⚡All Utilities	$469/mo	$546/mo	↑ $77.18more	16.4%
🏥Healthcare	$654/mo	$601/mo	↓ $53.39less	8.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 40.1%

Vancouver, WA

$4,125

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,656

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.4%

Vancouver, WA

$1,677

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$393

less

📦Other

↓ 9.0%

Vancouver, WA

$1,876

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$168

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.1%

Vancouver, WA

$1,055

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$96.10

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.4%

Vancouver, WA

$469

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$77.18

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.2%

Vancouver, WA

$654

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$53.39

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,238

To$1,570

↑ $332

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$1,640

↑ $315

2 Bed

From$1,516

To$1,800

↑ $284

3 Bed

From$2,070

To$2,255

↑ $185

Vancouver, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$1,820/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.

$9,856

Monthly in Vancouver, WA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,289

Difference

Home Values

Vancouver

Raleigh

$463K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +24.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$446K - $578K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 11% more expensive than Vancouver

Calculate payment - Vancouver 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

Vancouver, 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

Vancouver, 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.