Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 36.2% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2714 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $117,434.211 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 60.3% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2714 per month, or $32566 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,714

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.6K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$512K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Washington, DC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,742less	60.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $601less	31.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $117less	6.4%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$546/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.5%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 60.3%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,742

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.9%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$601

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$120

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.5%

Washington, DC

$508

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$38.25

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Washington, DC

$632

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,570

↓ $580

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,640

↓ $575

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,800

↓ $670

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,255

↓ $860

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$4,573

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Raleigh

$556K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 8% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$335

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.