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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Chicago is 37% more expensive than High Point.

$1,380/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 23%
$75,134/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 19%
$315,200 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 33%
$1,502/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 28%
2,707,648
Population
115,263

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
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $13,906/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs High Point — common questions

Is Chicago or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and High Point?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or High Point?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $13,906/year higher in Chicago.
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 High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View High Point details →

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