Boston vs Raleigh: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Boston's homes carry a median value of $684,900, which is 97% higher than the $347,000 median value in Raleigh.
Median household income is $89,212 in Boston versus $78,631 in Raleigh.
Renters pay a median $1,981 in Boston versus $1,371 in Raleigh.
Natural-hazard risk differs here: FEMA rates Raleigh Relatively High and Boston Relatively Moderate.
| Metric | Boston, MA | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 665,945 | 465,517 |
| Median home value | $684,900 | $347,000 |
| Median household income | $89,212 | $78,631 |
| Median gross rent | $1,981 | $1,371 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively Moderate | Relatively High |
Housing is cheaper across the board in Raleigh, NC compared with Boston, MA: lower home values, lower rent. Other cost-of-living factors aren't reflected here.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.