Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Durham, NC (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Chicago is 5% cheaper than Durham.

$1,380/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 2%
$75,134/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 5%
$315,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 13%
$1,502/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 5%
2,707,648
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,100/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Durham — common questions

Is Chicago or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Durham?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Durham?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $4,100/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Durham details →

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