Moving from Portland to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,320 |
| $50K | $40,400 |
| $60K | $48,480 |
| $75K | $60,600 |
| $80K | $64,640 |
| $100K | $80,800 |
| $120K | $96,960 |
| $150K | $121,200 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Raleigh
| Expense | Portland | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $407 | $365 |
| Transport | $100 | $70 |
| Utilities | $130 | $150 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $2,114 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $257 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Portland — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Raleigh saves roughly $538/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,456/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $60,600/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only