Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Boston is 60% more expensive than Raleigh.

$2,093/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 30%
$94,755/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 13%
$710,400 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 47%
$2,176/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 32%
663,972
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $12,331/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Boston or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Raleigh?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Raleigh?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $12,331/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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