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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Seattle is 78% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,998/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 27%
$121,984/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 32%
$912,100 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 59%
$2,220/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 33%
741,440
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $39,560/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Seattle or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Raleigh?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Raleigh?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $39,560/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Raleigh details →

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