Boston, MA vs Raleigh, NC

The cost of living difference between Boston, MA and Raleigh, NC is dramatic. Raleigh is 45.9% cheaper than Boston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Boston has a cost index of 160 while Raleigh sits at 110, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Boston is $2,093/month compared to $1,468/month in Raleigh — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Raleigh is more affordable at $377,800 median vs $710,400.

Median household income in Boston is $94,755 compared to $82,424 in Raleigh (+15%). Boston does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Boston spend roughly 26.5% of their income on rent, more than the 21.4% in Raleigh.