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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Raleigh is 54% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,468/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 87%
$82,424/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 53%
$377,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 175%
$1,487/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 77%
470,763
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,274/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $15,288/year.

Median household income is $44,045/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Raleigh or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Cambridge?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,274/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Cambridge?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $44,045/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Cambridge details →

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