Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than West Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 0.2% more expensive than West Chicago, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in West Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in West Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $150,167.463 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between West Chicago, IL and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 0.1% cheaper than in West Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,332/month in West Chicago, IL.

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

West Chicago, IL and Charlotte, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

West Chicago, IL vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in West Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $13.96/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$13.96

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$167

Per year

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

West Chicago, IL

Population:25K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$371K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$399K

West Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

25K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 25K 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: West Chicago, IL vs Charlotte, NC

Category	West Chicago, IL	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,505/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $303less	20.1%
📦Other	$1,574/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $133more	8.5%
🏥Healthcare	$563/mo	$638/mo	↑ $75.26more	13.4%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$519/mo	↑ $27.83more	5.7%
🛒Groceries	$974/mo	$989/mo	↑ $15.21more	1.6%
🏠Housing	$2,472/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3.07less	0.1%

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.1%

West Chicago, IL

$1,505

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$303

less

📦Other

↑ 8.5%

West Chicago, IL

$1,574

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$133

🏥Healthcare

↑ 13.4%

West Chicago, IL

$563

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$75.26

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

West Chicago, IL

$491

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$27.83

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.6%

West Chicago, IL

$974

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$15.21

🏠Housing

↓ 0.1%

West Chicago, IL

$2,472

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3.07

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,104

To$1,630

↑ $526

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,710

↑ $530

2 Bed

From$1,332

To$1,870

↑ $538

3 Bed

From$1,713

To$2,300

↑ $587

West Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,550–$1,550/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.

$7,579

Monthly in West Chicago, IL

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$54.35

Difference

Home Values

West Chicago

Charlotte

$371K

Median Value

$399K

↑ +5.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$371K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 7% more expensive than West Chicago

Calculate payment - West Chicago 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

West Chicago, 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

West Chicago, 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.