Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 98.2 in Raleigh, NC in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 5.5% more expensive than Raleigh; housing rents differ by 8% (112.0 vs 103.5). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $71,063 buys in Raleigh, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | Raleigh | Chicago vs Raleigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 98.2 | +5.5% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 96.6 | +11.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 103.5 | +8.2% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 89.0 | -6.0% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 98.2 | +2.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 97.0 | +8.7% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in Raleigh | $47,375 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in Raleigh | $94,751 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in Raleigh | $142,126 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.