| Metric | Boston, MA | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $820,000 | $430,000 |
| 20% Down Payment | $164,000 | $86,000 |
| Loan Amount | $656,000 | $344,000 |
| P&I (6.7%, 30yr) | $4,233/mo | $2,219/mo |
| Property Tax | 1.14%/yr | 0.81%/yr |
| Total PITI Est. | $5,352/mo | $2,688/mo |
| Income Needed (36% DTI) | $178,400/yr | $89,600/yr |
| 10-Year Total Cost | $642,240 | $322,560 |
Choosing Raleigh, NC over the alternative saves $2,664/month — or $31,968/year in housing costs. Over 10 years, that's $319,680 in your pocket instead of your mortgage.
But monthly payment isn't everything. Consider: job market, salary levels, appreciation potential, cost of living beyond housing, and lifestyle fit. A cheaper mortgage in a lower-income city may not actually save money if your salary drops too.
Ask Zai with your income and down payment — get a personalized city recommendation.
🏦 Ask Zai Free → 🔔 Set Affordability Alert 🎲 Geographic LotteryNot financial advice. Data estimated from public sources. Rates at 6.7%, 20% down, 30-year fixed. Actual costs vary.