Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Cicero, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.8% cheaper than Cicero, IL. This translates to saving $213 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Cicero, IL, you'd need approximately $147,449.566 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 3.1% cheaper than in Cicero, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,374/month in Cicero, IL.

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

Moving from Cicero, IL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $213 per month, or $2550 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cicero, IL vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Cicero, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $213/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$213

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

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

Cicero, IL

Population:81K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$512K

Cicero, IL

The Prairie State

81K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 81K 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: Cicero, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Cicero, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,552/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $268less	17.2%
📦Other	$1,623/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $84.27more	5.2%
🏠Housing	$2,549/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $79.89less	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$499/mo	$546/mo	↑ $47.57more	9.5%
🛒Groceries	$989/mo	$959/mo	↓ $29.79less	3.0%
🏥Healthcare	$572/mo	$601/mo	↑ $29.40more	5.1%

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.2%

Cicero, IL

$1,552

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$268

less

📦Other

↑ 5.2%

Cicero, IL

$1,623

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$84.27

🏠Housing

↓ 3.1%

Cicero, IL

$2,549

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$79.89

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.5%

Cicero, IL

$499

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$47.57

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Cicero, IL

$989

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$29.79

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.1%

Cicero, IL

$572

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$29.40

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$942

To$1,570

↑ $628

1 Bed

From$1,138

To$1,640

↑ $502

2 Bed

From$1,374

To$1,800

↑ $426

3 Bed

From$1,884

To$2,255

↑ $371

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.

$7,783

Monthly in Cicero, IL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$216

Difference

Home Values

Cicero

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

Cicero, 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

Cicero, 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.