Median rent is 23% lower in Raleigh ($1,468/mo vs $1,900/mo). Buying is cheaper in Raleigh, where the median home runs $377,800 versus $724,600. Households earn more in Washington ($106,287 vs $82,424 a year). Taken together, Raleigh is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 111.2 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Washington, DC.
Quick verdict
Raleigh is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.3 in Raleigh vs 111.2 in Washington (US average = 100)
City A
Raleigh, NC
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Raleigh, NC?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$84,827
You'd need $9,827 more (13% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Raleigh
North Carolina
Washington
District of Columbia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Raleigh — median rent of $1,468/mo versus $1,900/mo in Washington, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Washington: the median home is $724,600 versus $377,800 in Raleigh — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 10.75% in District of Columbia, so Raleigh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.00% in District of Columbia; Raleigh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Raleigh
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Washington
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Raleigh has cleaner air on average: 54.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.3 vs 111.2).
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($106,287/yr).
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,468/mo median).
Pick Raleigh if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Raleigh cheaper than Washington?
Raleigh is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 111.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Raleigh.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Washington?
Median rent is $1,468/mo in Raleigh, NC and $1,900/mo in Washington, DC. Raleigh, NC has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Raleigh or Washington?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh, NC and $106,287 in Washington, DC. Washington, DC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Raleigh, NC has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Raleigh or Washington?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and District of Columbia's is 10.75%. Raleigh, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my Raleigh income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Raleigh, NC is equivalent to roughly $113,103 in Washington, DC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology