Moving from Worcester to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 108 for Worcester (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Worcester lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Worcester | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,407 |
| $50K | $46,759 |
| $60K | $56,111 |
| $75K | $70,139 |
| $80K | $74,815 |
| $100K | $93,519 |
| $120K | $112,222 |
| $150K | $140,278 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Worcester vs Raleigh
| Expense | Worcester | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $403 | $365 |
| Transport | $78 | $70 |
| Utilities | $190 | $150 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,939 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Worcester?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 108 for Worcester (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Worcester to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Worcester to Raleigh could save roughly $144/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,728/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Worcester lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Worcester, you'd need roughly $70,139/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