Moving from Chicago to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$278/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
107101
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,700
per month
State tax
4.9%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,434$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,757 |
| $50K | $47,196 |
| $60K | $56,636 |
| $75K | $70,794 |
| $80K | $75,514 |
| $100K | $94,393 |
| $120K | $113,271 |
| $150K | $141,589 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Raleigh
| Expense | Chicago | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $388 | $365 |
| Transport | $105 | $70 |
| Utilities | $165 | $150 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Raleigh could save roughly $278/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,336/year.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $70,794/year in Raleigh. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Raleigh to ChicagoChicago vs Raleigh — full comparisonChicago cost of livingRaleigh cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only