City vs city
Washington, DC vs Raleigh
$100,000 in Washington, DC buys a lifestyle closer to $70,000 in Raleigh, because Raleigh's cost-of-living index is 106 versus 152.
Washington, DC
Federal and contractor pay is high. DC’s own income tax is steep at the top.
- COL index
- 152
- Typical 1-bed
- $2,500/mo
- Comfortable salary
- $129,000
- $100k take-home
- $73,649
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
More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego