Chicago vs Raleigh
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $70,031 in Raleigh.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Chicago feels like $70,031 in Raleigh. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 0%.
Chicago
Raleigh
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Chicago, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Chicago and Raleigh each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Chicago vs Raleigh — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or Raleigh?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,581/mo in Chicago and $1,596/mo in Raleigh. Chicago has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Raleigh to match Chicago?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $70,031 in Raleigh — a gain of about 0% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Chicago and Raleigh?
Chicago is in IL (IL levies income tax) and Raleigh is in NC (NC levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.