Raleigh vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Comparing home values: Raleigh sits at $347,000, 61% lower than Seattle's $879,900.
Typical households bring in $78,631 a year in Raleigh, versus $116,068 in Seattle.
Raleigh's median rent sits at $1,371, against $1,945 in Seattle.
Raleigh carries FEMA's Relatively High hazard rating, compared with Very High for Seattle.
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 465,517 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $347,000 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $78,631 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $1,371 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Raleigh, NC comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Seattle, WA, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
- Best cities in North Carolina
- Best cities in Washington
- Seattle vs Denver: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Charlotte vs Raleigh: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Los Angeles vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.