Moving from Boston to Raleigh?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Boston lifestyle in Raleigh, you'd need to earn:
$66,017/year
▼ $8,983 less than you make now
| Category | Boston | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $66,017 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$6,138 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,093 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$957 |
| State Tax | -$3,750 | -$2,806 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,399 | $52,023 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -9.3% in Raleigh
- Housing is -30.3% in Raleigh
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $563/year in taxes in Raleigh
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~609 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Boston to Raleigh
| Your Boston Salary | Raleigh Equivalent | Difference | Raleigh Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $35,631 | -$4,369 | $29,154 |
| $50,000 | $44,664 | -$5,336 | $36,028 |
| $60,000 | $53,636 | -$6,364 | $42,856 |
| $75,000 | $66,017 | -$8,983 | $52,023 |
| $100,000 | $88,448 | -$11,552 | $66,850 |
| $150,000 | $132,830 | -$17,170 | $95,897 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Boston and Raleigh Compare
Housing (30% cheaper in Raleigh)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Raleigh rents for $1,240/month compared to $2,950/month in Boston. Median home prices: $431,000 in Raleigh vs $825,000 in Boston.
Taxes
Massachusetts has a progressive state income tax from 5.0% to 9.0%. North Carolina has a flat 4.3% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Raleigh would save you about $563/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Raleigh's overall cost of living is 9.3% lower than Boston, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Boston: 108.3, Raleigh: 98.2.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Boston to Raleigh move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Raleigh
Average 1BR rent in Raleigh: $1,240/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →