Cost of Living: Boston vs Raleigh
Boston is 55% more expensive than Raleigh
Quick Answer
Boston is 55% more expensive than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $48,355 in Raleigh. The biggest gap is in housing costs.
Monthly Cost Comparison
Side-by-side monthly costs for major expense categories:
| Category | Boston | Raleigh | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,040/mo | $1,960/mo | Raleigh (-$1,080) |
| Groceries | $517/mo | $333/mo | Raleigh (-$184) |
| Transportation | $479/mo | $309/mo | Raleigh (-$170) |
| Healthcare | $650/mo | $419/mo | Raleigh (-$231) |
| Utilities | $243/mo | $157/mo | Raleigh (-$86) |
| Dining Out | $456/mo | $294/mo | Raleigh (-$162) |
| Total Monthly | $5,385 | $3,472 | Raleigh |
Category-by-Category Comparison
Salary Equivalent: Boston to Raleigh
Here is what various salaries in Boston are equivalent to in Raleigh, adjusted for cost of living differences:
| Salary in Boston | = | Equivalent in Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $32,237 | -$17,763 | |
| $75,000 | $48,355 | -$26,645 | |
| $100,000 | $64,474 | -$35,526 | |
| $125,000 | $80,592 | -$44,408 | |
| $150,000 | $96,711 | -$53,289 |
If you move from Boston to Raleigh, you would maintain the same lifestyle on a lower salary.
Which City Wins by Category?
Save $12,960/year compared to Boston
Save $2,208/year compared to Boston
Save $2,040/year compared to Boston
Save $2,772/year compared to Boston
Save $1,032/year compared to Boston
Save $1,944/year compared to Boston
Quality of Life Comparison
| Factor | Boston | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Job Market | Boston has a competitive, high-paying job market | Raleigh has a growing job market |
| Weather | Varies by region | Varies by region |
| Commute | Longer average commute, robust public transit | Moderate commute times |
| Entertainment | World-class dining, arts, and nightlife | Good variety of activities and dining |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston more expensive than Raleigh?
Yes, Boston is approximately 55% more expensive than Raleigh overall. The biggest difference is in housing, where Boston costs are significantly higher.
What salary in Raleigh equals $75,000 in Boston?
A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to approximately $48,355 in Raleigh, adjusted for cost of living differences. This accounts for housing, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
Where is housing cheaper, Boston or Raleigh?
Housing is cheaper in Raleigh, with average monthly costs of $1,960 compared to $3,040 in Boston.
Should I move from Boston to Raleigh?
Moving from Boston to Raleigh could save you approximately $12,960/year on housing alone. However, consider career opportunities, salary adjustments, quality of life, and personal preferences.
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