Raleigh, NC vs Vancouver, WA: 110 vs 123

$1,468/mo ↓ 10%

Median Rent

$1,632/mo ↑ 11%

$82,424/yr ↑ 5%

Median Income

$78,156/yr ↓ 5%

$377,800 ↓ 14%

Home Value

$440,300 ↑ 17%

$1,487/mo ↓ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,607/mo ↑ 8%

470,763

Population

192,696

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $4,268/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Raleigh or Vancouver cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 123 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Vancouver?

Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $164/month.

Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Vancouver?

Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $4,268/year higher in Raleigh.

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 Vancouver?

It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Raleigh

Vancouver

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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