Moving from Washington to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Washington lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Washington | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,405 |
| $50K | $33,007 |
| $60K | $39,608 |
| $75K | $49,510 |
| $80K | $52,810 |
| $100K | $66,013 |
| $120K | $79,216 |
| $150K | $99,020 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Washington vs Raleigh
| Expense | Washington | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $3,100 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $422 | $365 |
| Transport | $100 | $70 |
| Utilities | $190 | $150 |
| Internet | $75 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $491 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Washington?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Washington to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Washington to Raleigh could save roughly $1,542/month on core expenses. That's ~$18,504/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Washington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Washington, you'd need roughly $49,510/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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