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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Chicago, IL

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.2% Chicago, IL is more expensive overall
1.0% 1.0% more expensive housing
7.2% 7.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Raleigh
104
Chicago
105
🛒 Groceries 7.2% more
Raleigh
97
Chicago
104
🚗 Transportation 18.8% more
Raleigh
96
Chicago
114
🏥 Healthcare 3.0% more
Raleigh
100
Chicago
103
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Raleigh
98
Chicago
101

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Chicago, IL Difference
Overall Cost Index981079.2% more
Housing104105~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,70025.9% more
Median Home Price$385,000$310,00019.5% less
Groceries971047.2% more
Transportation9611418.8% more
Healthcare1001033.0% more
Utilities981013.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Chicago, IL
State Income Tax4.50%4.95%
State Sales Tax4.75%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.95%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Chicago costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Chicago to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Chicago (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Chicago4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Chicago2.1%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Chicago35 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Chicago78
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Chicago44
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Chicago50°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Chicago2,665,039

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh and Chicago → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Chicago →

Compare Other Cities

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → Chicago vs Portland → Chicago vs Phoenix → Chicago vs Miami →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Chicago cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Chicago?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,700/month in Chicago — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Chicago?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Raleigh to Chicago?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 compared to $74,000 in Chicago. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Raleigh vs Chicago?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $310,000 in Chicago — a difference of $75,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Illinois averages 1.95%.