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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Raleigh is 13% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,468/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 9%
$82,424/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 2%
$377,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 20%
$1,487/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 17%
470,763
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $1,433/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Raleigh or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Tacoma?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Tacoma?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $1,433/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Tacoma details →

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