Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Highland Park, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 0.5% cheaper than Highland Park, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Highland Park, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Highland Park, IL, you'd need approximately $149,521.458 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Highland Park, IL and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 0.8% cheaper than in Highland Park, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,886/month in Highland Park, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Highland Park, IL to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Highland Park, IL to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $40 per month, or $479 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Highland Park, IL vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Highland Park, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $39.88/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.5K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$39.88

Savings

Annual Impact

$479

Per year

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

Highland Park, IL

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$726K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$399K

Highland Park, IL

The Prairie State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 30K residents.

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major banking center
•NASCAR headquarters
•Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Highland Park, IL vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Highland Park, IL	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,516/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $314less	20.7%
📦Other	$1,586/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $122more	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$565/mo	$638/mo	↑ $73.23more	13.0%
⚡All Utilities	$493/mo	$519/mo	↑ $26.06more	5.3%
🏠Housing	$2,490/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $20.91less	0.8%
🛒Groceries	$978/mo	$989/mo	↑ $11.70more	1.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.7%

Highland Park, IL

$1,516

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$314

less

📦Other

↑ 7.7%

Highland Park, IL

$1,586

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$122

🏥Healthcare

↑ 13.0%

Highland Park, IL

$565

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$73.23

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Highland Park, IL

$493

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$26.06

🏠Housing

↓ 0.8%

Highland Park, IL

$2,490

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$20.91

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.2%

Highland Park, IL

$978

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$11.70

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,564

To$1,630

↑ $66.00

1 Bed

From$1,672

To$1,710

↑ $38.00

2 Bed

From$1,886

To$1,870

↓ $16.00

3 Bed

From$2,431

To$2,300

↓ $131

Highland Park, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,180–$2,180/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/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.

$7,627

Monthly in Highland Park, IL

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$102

Difference

Home Values

Highland Park

Charlotte

$726K

Median Value

$399K

↑ +6.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +50%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$726K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 45% less expensive than Highland Park

Calculate payment - Highland Park Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Highland Park, 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

Charlotte, 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

Highland Park, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Charlotte, 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.