Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Skokie, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.3% cheaper than Skokie, IL. This translates to saving $174 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Skokie, IL, you'd need approximately $147,906.544 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 2.6% cheaper than in Skokie, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,464/month in Skokie, IL.

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

Moving from Skokie, IL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $174 per month, or $2093 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Skokie, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $174/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$174

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.1K

Per year

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

Skokie, IL

Population:65K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$386K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$512K

Skokie, IL

The Prairie State

65K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 65K 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: Skokie, IL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Skokie, IL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,544/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $260less	16.8%
📦Other	$1,615/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $92.71more	5.7%
🏠Housing	$2,535/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $66.64less	2.6%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$546/mo	↑ $48.87more	9.8%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.89more	5.4%
🛒Groceries	$986/mo	$959/mo	↓ $27.22less	2.8%

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.8%

Skokie, IL

$1,544

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↑ 5.7%

Skokie, IL

$1,615

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$92.71

🏠Housing

↓ 2.6%

Skokie, IL

$2,535

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$66.64

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.8%

Skokie, IL

$498

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$48.87

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

Skokie, IL

$570

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.89

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Skokie, IL

$986

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$27.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,218

To$1,570

↑ $352

1 Bed

From$1,300

To$1,640

↑ $340

2 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,800

↑ $336

3 Bed

From$1,886

To$2,255

↑ $369

Skokie, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,730/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.

$7,748

Monthly in Skokie, IL

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$181

Difference

Home Values

Skokie

Raleigh

$386K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +5.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +33.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$347K - $424K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 33% more expensive than Skokie

Calculate payment - Skokie 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

Skokie, 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

Skokie, 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.