on $100k a year, leaving Providence
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 Providence
Raleigh gives you room Providence doesn't. Same gross salary, lower monthly cost of living.
a quick ledger.
$1,663/mo
22% cheaper than Providence(vs $2,127/mo)
4.5%
$124/mo less in state tax than Providence
vs 5.99% in Providence
$6,295/mo
$588 more than Providence
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$440k
17% cheaper than Providence
vs $528k in Providence
1.5M
vs 1.7M in Providence
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in raleigh.
Providence barely cracks 159 pleasant ones.
Nights and weekends fill up faster. 2.2× more on the calendar than Providence.
58/100
8% lower than Providence
vs 63/100 in Providence
Closest outdoor draw: William B. Umstead State Park, 9.9 mi.
97/100
1% higher than Providence
vs 96/100 in Providence
39
129% more than Providence
vs 17 nonstops in Providence
if raleigh appeals, also worth a look:
