Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Watertown Town, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 30.4% cheaper than Watertown Town, MA. This translates to saving $2281 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Watertown Town, MA, you'd need approximately $122,625.292 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 44.4% cheaper than in Watertown Town, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,465/month in Watertown Town, MA.

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

Moving from Watertown Town, MA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2281 per month, or $27375 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Watertown Town, MA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Watertown Town, MA — COL adjusted from Boston, MA area + state data

Current salary in Watertown Town, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.6K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 30.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,281

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.4K

Per year

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

Watertown Town, MA

Population:35K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$512K

Watertown Town, MA

The Bay State

35K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 35K 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: Watertown Town, MA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Watertown Town, MA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,442/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,973less	44.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,713/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $428less	25.0%
⚡All Utilities	$692/mo	$546/mo	↓ $146less	21.1%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$601/mo	↓ $118less	16.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,044/mo	$959/mo	↓ $84.57less	8.1%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $0.38more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.4%

Watertown Town, MA

$4,442

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,973

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.0%

Watertown Town, MA

$1,713

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$428

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.1%

Watertown Town, MA

$692

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$146

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.4%

Watertown Town, MA

$719

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$118

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.1%

Watertown Town, MA

$1,044

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$84.57

less

📦Other

↑ 0.0%

Watertown Town, MA

$1,707

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$0.38

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,710

To$1,570

↓ $140

1 Bed

From$1,988

To$1,640

↓ $348

2 Bed

From$2,465

To$1,800

↓ $665

3 Bed

From$3,181

To$2,255

↓ $926

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.

$10,317

Monthly in Watertown Town, MA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$2,750

Difference

Home Values

Watertown Town

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

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Watertown Town, 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

Watertown Town, 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.