Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than West Falls Church, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 31.5% cheaper than West Falls Church, VA. This translates to saving $2365 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in West Falls Church, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in West Falls Church, VA, you'd need approximately $121,617.872 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between West Falls Church, VA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 52.6% cheaper than in West Falls Church, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,218/month in West Falls Church, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from West Falls Church, VA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from West Falls Church, VA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $2365 per month, or $28382 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

West Falls Church, VA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 West Falls Church, VA — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in West Falls Church, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.6K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 31.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,365

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.4K

Per year

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

West Falls Church, VA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$512K

West Falls Church, VA

The Old Dominion State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 30K 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: West Falls Church, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	West Falls Church, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,210/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,742less	52.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,757/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $473less	26.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$959/mo	↓ $82.63less	7.9%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$546/mo	↑ $55.80more	11.4%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$601/mo	↓ $9.15less	1.5%
📦Other	$1,701/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $6.71more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.6%

West Falls Church, VA

$5,210

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,742

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.9%

West Falls Church, VA

$1,757

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$473

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.9%

West Falls Church, VA

$1,042

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$82.63

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.4%

West Falls Church, VA

$491

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$55.80

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.5%

West Falls Church, VA

$610

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$9.15

less

📦Other

↑ 0.4%

West Falls Church, VA

$1,701

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$6.71

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,505

To$1,570

↑ $65.00

1 Bed

From$1,743

To$1,640

↓ $103

2 Bed

From$2,218

To$1,800

↓ $418

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$2,255

↓ $835

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.

$10,811

Monthly in West Falls Church, VA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$3,244

Difference

Home Values

West Falls Church

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

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

West Falls Church, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

West Falls Church, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.