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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Raleigh is 39% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,468/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
$82,424/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 38%
$377,800 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 41%
$1,487/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 14%
470,763
Population
154,751

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 Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $31,085/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Springfield — common questions

Is Raleigh or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Springfield?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Springfield?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $31,085/year higher in Raleigh.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Springfield

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville