Moving from Boulder to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 23% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$655/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
132101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,700
per month
State tax
4.4%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 23% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,606 |
| $50K | $38,258 |
| $60K | $45,909 |
| $75K | $57,386 |
| $80K | $61,212 |
| $100K | $76,515 |
| $120K | $91,818 |
| $150K | $114,773 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Raleigh
| Expense | Boulder | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $414 | $365 |
| Transport | $80 | $70 |
| Utilities | $138 | $150 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 23% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Raleigh could save roughly $655/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,860/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $57,386/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Raleigh to BoulderBoulder vs Raleigh — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingRaleigh cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only