same $100k income, fresh start from Manchester
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
lighter monthly cost than Manchester
Raleigh and Manchester land close on cost. The reasons to move are about how you'd live, not what you'd save.
a quick ledger.
$1,663/mo
21% cheaper than Manchester(vs $2,092/mo)
4.5%
$375/mo more in state tax than Manchester
vs 0% in Manchester
$6,295/mo
$54 more than Manchester
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$440k
20% cheaper than Manchester
vs $548k in Manchester
1.5M
vs 427k in Manchester
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in raleigh.
Manchester only logs 154 pleasant days.
3.1× the events of Manchester, and the calendar shows it.
58/100
6% lower than Manchester
vs 62/100 in Manchester
Closest outdoor draw: William B. Umstead State Park, 9.9 mi.
97/100
1% lower than Manchester
vs 98/100 in Manchester
39
200% more than Manchester
vs 13 nonstops in Manchester
if raleigh appeals, also worth a look:
