Morrisville, NC vs. Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Morrisville vs Raleigh. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Morrisville vs Raleigh in 2025.
Imagine two similar families – the Martins in Morrisville and the Robinsons in Raleigh. Both rent a 3-bedroom apartment and have two working adults. Let’s compare their monthly expenses:
- Rent: Martins pay $1,800. Robinsons pay $2,100.
- Utilities: Martins pay $180. Robinsons pay $210.
- Groceries: Martins spend $800. Robinsons spend $850.
In this example, the Martins in Morrisville save $380 per month compared to the Robinsons in Raleigh, just on basic living costs. Now let’s dive into a full comparison.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Morrisville and Raleigh compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Morrisville | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,400 | $1,650 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,900 | $2,200 |
🏆 Winner: Morrisville
Housing costs are about 15-20% lower in Morrisville compared to Raleigh. For more details, see our full guide on cost of living in Morrisville, NC.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $100-140
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-80
- Internet: $50-70
Morrisville residents may save $20-30 per month on average. Both cities have similar climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Morrisville, but it’s close
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are quite similar in Morrisville and Raleigh. Expect to spend around $250-350 per person monthly on food and basic goods.
Restaurant prices are also comparable. A meal out for two averages $40-60 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a property tax rate around 0.8%. So for a $300,000 home, expect to pay about $2,400 annually.
HOA fees in Morrisville tend to be slightly lower, averaging $100-250 per month compared to $150-300 in Raleigh subdivisions.
🏆 Winner: Morrisville
Cost of Living in Morrisville vs Raleigh
To sum it up, here’s a side-by-side look at the major monthly costs in each city, based on a family of three:
| Cost | Morrisville | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR rental) | $1,800 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $800 | $850 |
| Transportation | $300 | $325 |
| Taxes & Fees | $250 | $300 |
| Misc Costs | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,730 | $4,235 |
Note: All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Fit
While Morrisville offers savings of about $500 per month for a typical family, Raleigh provides some tradeoffs to consider:
- Raleigh has more urban amenities and cultural attractions
- Morrisville offers a quieter, suburban feel with easy access to nature
- Raleigh averages 2°F warmer than Morrisville in the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Morrisville more affordable than Raleigh?
- Yes, Morrisville is about 10-15% cheaper overall.
- Which city has lower rent?
- Morrisville rents are typically 15-20% lower.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
- Morrisville home prices are about 10% less than Raleigh.
Conclusion
While both Morrisville and Raleigh offer a high quality of life, Morrisville comes out ahead on affordability. Families can save $400-600 per month on basic costs compared to Raleigh.
Morrisville is ideal for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with access to top-notch schools and outdoor recreation. Raleigh may be worth the premium for singles and couples who value urban amenities and cultural attractions.
Be sure to check out our other average monthly expenses in Morrisville, NC and guides to nearby cities. Planning a move? Compare moving company costs and options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.