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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA

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

26.5% Seattle, WA is more expensive overall
50.0% 50.0% more expensive housing
11.3% 11.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.0% more
Raleigh
104
Seattle
156
🛒 Groceries 11.3% more
Raleigh
97
Seattle
108
🚗 Transportation 22.9% more
Raleigh
96
Seattle
118
🏥 Healthcare 10.0% more
Raleigh
100
Seattle
110
⚡ Utilities 7.1% cheaper
Raleigh
98
Seattle
91

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Seattle, WA Difference
Overall Cost Index9812426.5% more
Housing10415650.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,05051.9% more
Median Home Price$385,000$780,000102.6% more
Groceries9710811.3% more
Transportation9611822.9% more
Healthcare10011010.0% more
Utilities98917.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Seattle, WA
State Income Tax4.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.84%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Seattle outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Seattle (124). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Seattle3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Seattle3.8%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Seattle30 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Seattle73
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Seattle40
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Seattle52°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Seattle749,256

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Seattle cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 50.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Seattle?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $2,050/month in Seattle — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Seattle?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $110,000 in Seattle. 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 Seattle?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $780,000 in Seattle — a difference of $395,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Washington averages 0.84%.