Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than East Chicago, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.2% cheaper than East Chicago, IN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in East Chicago, IN, you'd need approximately $149,864.717 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 0.5% cheaper than in East Chicago, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $794/month in East Chicago, IN.

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

Moving from East Chicago, IN to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $11 per month, or $135 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

East Chicago, IN vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 East Chicago, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in East Chicago, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $11.27/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$11.27

Savings

Annual Impact

$135

Per year

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

East Chicago, IN

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$125K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

East Chicago, IN

The Hoosier State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 26K 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: East Chicago, IN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	East Chicago, IN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,510/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $226less	15.0%
📦Other	$1,580/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $128more	8.1%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$546/mo	↑ $54.32more	11.0%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$601/mo	↑ $37.14more	6.6%
🛒Groceries	$976/mo	$959/mo	↓ $16.41less	1.7%
🏠Housing	$2,480/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $11.40less	0.5%

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.0%

East Chicago, IN

$1,510

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$226

less

📦Other

↑ 8.1%

East Chicago, IN

$1,580

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$128

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.0%

East Chicago, IN

$492

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$54.32

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.6%

East Chicago, IN

$564

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$37.14

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.7%

East Chicago, IN

$976

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$16.41

less

🏠Housing

↓ 0.5%

East Chicago, IN

$2,480

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$11.40

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$581

To$1,570

↑ $989

1 Bed

From$649

To$1,640

↑ $991

2 Bed

From$794

To$1,800

↑ $1,006

3 Bed

From$970

To$2,255

↑ $1,285

East Chicago, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$850/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.

$7,601

Monthly in East Chicago, IN

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$34.34

Difference

Home Values

East Chicago

Raleigh

$125K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +52.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$125K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 308% more expensive than East Chicago

Calculate payment - East Chicago Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$190

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

East Chicago, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

East Chicago, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.