Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Arlington Heights, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.6% cheaper than Arlington Heights, IL. This translates to saving $198 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Arlington Heights, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington Heights, IL, you'd need approximately $147,622.152 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 2.9% cheaper than in Arlington Heights, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,371/month in Arlington Heights, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington Heights, IL to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Arlington Heights, IL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $198 per month, or $2378 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington Heights, IL vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Arlington Heights, IL — COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area + state data

Current salary in Arlington Heights, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $198/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$198

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington Heights, IL

Population:74K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$512K

Arlington Heights, IL

The Prairie State

74K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 74K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington Heights, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Arlington Heights, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,549/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $265less	17.1%
📦Other	$1,620/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $87.46more	5.4%
🏠Housing	$2,544/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $74.87less	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$546/mo	↑ $48.07more	9.6%
🏥Healthcare	$571/mo	$601/mo	↑ $29.97more	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$988/mo	$959/mo	↓ $28.82less	2.9%

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.1%

Arlington Heights, IL

$1,549

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$265

less

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

Arlington Heights, IL

$1,620

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$87.46

🏠Housing

↓ 2.9%

Arlington Heights, IL

$2,544

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$74.87

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Arlington Heights, IL

$498

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$48.07

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Arlington Heights, IL

$571

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$29.97

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.9%

Arlington Heights, IL

$988

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$28.82

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$940

To$1,570

↑ $630

1 Bed

From$1,136

To$1,640

↑ $504

2 Bed

From$1,371

To$1,800

↑ $429

3 Bed

From$1,880

To$2,255

↑ $375

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,770

Monthly in Arlington Heights, IL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$203

Difference

Home Values

Arlington Heights

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $300

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.00

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Arlington Heights, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington Heights, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.