Kept

City vs city

Boston vs Raleigh

$100,000 in Boston buys a lifestyle closer to $70,000 in Raleigh, because Raleigh's cost-of-living index is 106 versus 151.

Boston

Education, hospitals, and biotech keep wages and rents high.

COL index
151
Typical 1-bed
$2,900/mo
Comfortable salary
$128,000
$100k take-home
$74,400
Full Boston guide

Raleigh

Research Triangle wages plus a flat state tax and growing housing costs.

COL index
106
Typical 1-bed
$1,500/mo
Comfortable salary
$90,000
$100k take-home
$75,699
Full Raleigh guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego