Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Charlotte is 7% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $70,093 in Charlotte.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Chicago sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $310,000 in Chicago, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,700 in Chicago.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Chicago scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Chicago (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $62,097 in Chicago. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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