Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Washington is 55% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,900/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 23%
$106,287/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 22%
$724,600 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 48%
$2,103/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 29%
672,079
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $23,863/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Washington or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Raleigh?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Raleigh?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $23,863/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and North Carolina?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Raleigh details →

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