with $100k coming in, swapping out of Charleston
changea dispatch from
raleigh
NC
35.78°N
78.64°W
Raleigh is the third leg of the Research Triangle, full of oaks (its nickname is the City of Oaks), state museums that are all free, and a downtown that's grown up fast without losing its quiet edges. NC State pumps young energy in, the food scene is sneaky-good, and the surrounding pine forests make summer evenings smell incredible. Beaches are two hours east, mountains three hours west.
in our guides
the verdict
below Charleston's monthly cost
You'd feel the difference in Raleigh. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Charleston.
a quick ledger.
$1,663/mo
16% cheaper than Charleston(vs $1,987/mo)
4.5%
$167/mo less in state tax than Charleston
vs 6.5% in Charleston
$6,295/mo
$490 more than Charleston
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$440k
2% more expensive than Charleston
vs $432k in Charleston
1.5M
vs 849k in Charleston
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in raleigh.
Charleston has the edge here, logging 212 pleasant days a year.
On par with Charleston for events and shows.
58/100
13% lower than Charleston
vs 67/100 in Charleston
Closest outdoor draw: William B. Umstead State Park, 9.9 mi.
97/100
5% higher than Charleston
vs 92/100 in Charleston
39
95% more than Charleston
vs 20 nonstops in Charleston
neighbors of raleigh on the map of tradeoffs:
