Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 10.3% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $770 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $140,758.557 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 19.5% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $770 per month, or $9241 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Chicago, IL

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $770/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$770

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$512K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

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: Chicago, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Chicago, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $598less	19.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $396less	23.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$601/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.5%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$598

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$396

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

📦Other

↓ 2.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$50.22

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Chicago, IL

$519

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$595

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$6.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,570

↓ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,640

↓ $70.00

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,800

↓ $125

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,255

↓ $225

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,080

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Raleigh

$305K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 68% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago 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

Chicago, 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

Chicago, 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.