Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 98.2 in Raleigh, NC in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 10.3% more expensive than Raleigh; housing rents differ by 43% (148.4 vs 103.5). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $67,997 buys in Raleigh, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Raleigh | Boston vs Raleigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 98.2 | +10.3% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 96.6 | +3.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 103.5 | +43.4% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 89.0 | +67.2% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 98.2 | +5.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 97.0 | +11.0% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Raleigh | $45,331 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Raleigh | $90,663 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Raleigh | $135,994 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.