Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Raleigh is 56% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,468/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 71%
$82,424/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 96%
$377,800 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 218%
$1,487/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 74%
470,763
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,037/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $12,444/year.

Median household income is $78,876/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Raleigh or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Bellevue?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,037/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Bellevue?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $78,876/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Bellevue details →

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