Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Buffalo Grove, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.2% cheaper than Buffalo Grove, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Buffalo Grove, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo Grove, IL, you'd need approximately $148,948.596 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Buffalo Grove, IL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 1.5% cheaper than in Buffalo Grove, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,976/month in Buffalo Grove, IL.

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

Moving from Buffalo Grove, IL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $88 per month, or $1051 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo Grove, IL vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Buffalo Grove, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Buffalo Grove, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $87.62/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$87.62

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.1K

Per year

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

Buffalo Grove, IL

Population:42K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$425K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$512K

Buffalo Grove, IL

The Prairie State

42K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 42K 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: Buffalo Grove, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Buffalo Grove, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,525/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $241less	15.8%
📦Other	$1,596/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $112more	7.0%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$546/mo	↑ $51.80more	10.5%
🏠Housing	$2,506/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $36.94less	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$567/mo	$601/mo	↑ $34.24more	6.0%
🛒Groceries	$981/mo	$959/mo	↓ $21.42less	2.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.8%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$1,525

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$241

less

📦Other

↑ 7.0%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$1,596

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$112

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.5%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$495

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$51.80

🏠Housing

↓ 1.5%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$2,506

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$36.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.0%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$567

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$34.24

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.2%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$981

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$21.42

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,644

To$1,570

↓ $74.00

1 Bed

From$1,752

To$1,640

↓ $112

2 Bed

From$1,976

To$1,800

↓ $176

3 Bed

From$2,547

To$2,255

↓ $292

Buffalo Grove, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,270–$2,270/mo

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.

$7,669

Monthly in Buffalo Grove, IL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$102

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo Grove

Raleigh

$425K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +5.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +41.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$425K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 21% more expensive than Buffalo Grove

Calculate payment - Buffalo Grove 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

Buffalo Grove, 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

Buffalo Grove, 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.