Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than DeKalb, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.5% more expensive than DeKalb, IL. This translates to spending an extra $188 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in DeKalb, IL, you'd need approximately $152,257.456 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 2.2% more expensive than in DeKalb, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,302/month in DeKalb, IL.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $188 more per month than DeKalb, IL, or $2257 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in DeKalb, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $188/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$188

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.3K

Per year

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

DeKalb, IL

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

DeKalb, IL

The Prairie State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 40K 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: DeKalb, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	DeKalb, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,471/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $187less	12.7%
📦Other	$1,539/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $169more	11.0%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$546/mo	↑ $60.75more	12.5%
🏠Housing	$2,416/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $52.93more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$556/mo	$601/mo	↑ $44.50more	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $3.67less	0.4%

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.7%

DeKalb, IL

$1,471

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$187

less

📦Other

↑ 11.0%

DeKalb, IL

$1,539

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$169

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

DeKalb, IL

$486

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.75

🏠Housing

↑ 2.2%

DeKalb, IL

$2,416

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$52.93

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

DeKalb, IL

$556

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$44.50

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.4%

DeKalb, IL

$963

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$3.67

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$893

To$1,570

↑ $677

1 Bed

From$1,079

To$1,640

↑ $561

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,800

↑ $498

3 Bed

From$1,786

To$2,255

↑ $469

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.

$7,430

Monthly in DeKalb, IL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$137

Difference

Home Values

DeKalb

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

DeKalb, 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

DeKalb, 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.