Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Raleigh is 80% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,468/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 35%
$82,424/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 29%
$377,800 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 60%
$1,487/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 32%
470,763
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $23,708/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Peoria — common questions

Is Raleigh or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Peoria?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Peoria?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $23,708/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Peoria details →

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