same $100k income, fresh start from Columbus
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
more expensive each month than Columbus
Raleigh edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
a quick ledger.
$1,663/mo
10% more expensive than Columbus(vs $1,511/mo)
4.5%
$43/mo more in state tax than Columbus
vs 3.99% in Columbus
$6,295/mo
$195 less than Columbus
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$440k
26% more expensive than Columbus
vs $350k in Columbus
1.5M
vs 2.2M in Columbus
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in raleigh.
Columbus only manages 171 of those.
59% fewer events than Columbus. The pace eases up.
58/100
2% higher than Columbus
vs 57/100 in Columbus
Closest outdoor draw: William B. Umstead State Park, 9.9 mi.
97/100
14% higher than Columbus
vs 85/100 in Columbus
39
22% more than Columbus
vs 32 nonstops in Columbus
if raleigh appeals, also worth a look:
