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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Boston, MA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

37.8% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
65.4% 65.4% more expensive housing
13.4% 13.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 65.4% more
Raleigh
104
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 13.4% more
Raleigh
97
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 22.9% more
Raleigh
96
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 15.0% more
Raleigh
100
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 14.3% more
Raleigh
98
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index9813537.8% more
Housing10417265.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,60092.6% more
Median Home Price$385,000$700,00081.8% more
Groceries9711013.4% more
Transportation9611822.9% more
Healthcare10011515.0% more
Utilities9811214.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Boston, MA
State Income Tax4.50%9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boston costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boston to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Boston51°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh and Boston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boston →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 65.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Boston?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Raleigh to Boston?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Raleigh vs Boston?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $315,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.