Would you take 105k in DC or 90k in Raleigh Durham

Currently in Raleigh Durham been here almost 4 years and previously did undergrad here. Lived in DC for 8 years. I love Raleigh. It has grown so much and still affordable. I actually met my now husband in Raleigh after dating in DC and NYC. It is great for singles and families. I live right in the middle as I now work in RTP. Can get to work in 8 mins, downtown Raleigh in 25 and downtown Durham in about 20. There are now direct flights to London and Paris (at least pre-pandemic). Travel is much better than 15 years ago out of RDU.

Both are desirable places to live. Definitely more / better job opportunities in DC. DC is globally recognized city with many fortune 100 headquarters.. Raleigh is regional city / tech hub… RDU has less expensive housing (although not as cheap as it used to be), less traffic, can be more family oriented…

90k in Carolina. Assuming same working hours, you'll have more time to yourself avoiding the commute (assuming not remote work because location is mentioned). Also, I find Raleigh Durham to be more fun.

I have lived in both and think Raleigh Durham is the clear winner. You will be far better off in Raleigh Durham at 90k than D.C. at 105k. If you have an affinity for bigger cities, a more “northern” feel, or a desire to work in politics D.C. makes sense. Otherwise Carolina by a mile.

90k in RDU goes way further

You will end up with more $ in your pocket if you choose RDU area. Having lived 3 years there and relocated to another city, I miss it so much. Just comparing it to DC - In RDU area you can start about 10 min before to a theater which is 5 miles away (in dc this might take 30 min) - You won’t be depressed every time you pay rent - You have access to the smokies in under 4 hours and the beaches in about 2.5 hours - In the future when I want to settle you can buy yourself a nice home for prices cheaper than DC. - And the weather is nicer as well! - There are a lot of food options around the university area / rtp area, etc. I can go on, but ending up in DC for just 15k more is a not a good decision financially and for certain aspects of daily comfort (commute, more spaced out, etc) IMO

Young and single? DC. Otherwise RD

RDU all the way. DC will swallow your money.

The triangle is a lot of fun if you’re a young professional. All the benefits of being near multiple large college campuses and the benefits of having real employment not related to the university. If I were 25 and single it would be high on my places to live.

We're strongly considering Raleigh as a possible destination for finally getting the hell out of the DC area (northern VA, to be specific) in the next year or two. That's my vote!

Young, single, straight or gay, and male I’d go for DC. If you’re young, single, female and straight - go for Raleigh. The dating pool in DC for straight women is AWFUL.

If possible, Just stay in Va neighborhood and take up the dc job .. the area is not as costly as dc hence more disposable income

I LOVE DC, but Durham is also solid. Durham is significantly cheaper overall.

Not DC

90k in NC

You won't love DC with only 105. I've lived in northern VA and DC, 105 is paycheck to paycheck or roommates. Both horrible. I'm moving to Raleigh soon, and love the affordability I'm seeing in rent, things to do, and culture. DC culture can be toxic.

RDC.. shifted here a month back and I love it.

Raleigh for 90k lol My 6 figures in DC is poor lol