Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Raleigh is 33% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $50,329 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Raleigh scores 100 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Washington (105).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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