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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Washington, DC

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

32.7% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
55.8% 55.8% 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 55.8% more
Raleigh
104
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 11.3% more
Raleigh
97
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 27.1% more
Raleigh
96
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 10.0% more
Raleigh
100
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities 7.1% more
Raleigh
98
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index9813032.7% more
Housing10416255.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,20063.0% more
Median Home Price$385,000$620,00061.0% more
Groceries9710811.3% more
Transportation9612227.1% more
Healthcare10011010.0% more
Utilities981057.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Washington, DC
State Income Tax4.50%10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Washington57°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Washington689,545

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → Washington vs Portland → Washington vs Phoenix → Washington vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 55.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Washington?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $235,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.