Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Gurnee, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.5% more expensive than Gurnee, IL. This translates to spending an extra $113 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Gurnee, IL, you'd need approximately $151,360.932 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 1.2% more expensive than in Gurnee, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,525/month in Gurnee, IL.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $113 more per month than Gurnee, IL, or $1361 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Gurnee, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $113/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$113

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Gurnee, IL

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$355K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$512K

Gurnee, IL

The Prairie State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 30K 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: Gurnee, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Gurnee, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,485/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $201less	13.5%
📦Other	$1,554/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $154more	9.9%
⚡All Utilities	$488/mo	$546/mo	↑ $58.37more	12.0%
🏥Healthcare	$559/mo	$601/mo	↑ $41.77more	7.5%
🏠Housing	$2,440/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $29.22more	1.2%
🛒Groceries	$968/mo	$959/mo	↓ $8.39less	0.9%

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.5%

Gurnee, IL

$1,485

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$201

less

📦Other

↑ 9.9%

Gurnee, IL

$1,554

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$154

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.0%

Gurnee, IL

$488

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$58.37

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.5%

Gurnee, IL

$559

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$41.77

🏠Housing

↑ 1.2%

Gurnee, IL

$2,440

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$29.22

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Gurnee, IL

$968

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$8.39

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,570

↑ $300

1 Bed

From$1,352

To$1,640

↑ $288

2 Bed

From$1,525

To$1,800

↑ $275

3 Bed

From$1,961

To$2,255

↑ $294

Gurnee, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$1,800/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.

$7,493

Monthly in Gurnee, IL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$73.58

Difference

Home Values

Gurnee

Raleigh

$355K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +4.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +40.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$355K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 44% more expensive than Gurnee

Calculate payment - Gurnee 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

Gurnee, 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

Gurnee, 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.