Median rent is 15% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,621/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $525,200. Households earn more in Cary ($129,399 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Cary is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Cary, NC.
Quick verdict
Cary is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.3 in Cary vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Cary, NC
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Cary, NC?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$80,631
You'd need $5,631 more (8% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Cary
North Carolina
Chicago
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Chicago at $1,380/mo compared to $1,621/mo in Cary (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Cary: the median home is $525,200 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 40% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Cary is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.25% in Illinois; Cary has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Cary
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 54.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Cary if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.3 vs 105.7).
Pick Cary if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,399/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Is Cary cheaper than Chicago?
Cary is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Cary.
How much is rent in Cary vs Chicago?
Median rent is $1,621/mo in Cary, NC and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Cary or Chicago?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary, NC and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Cary, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Cary or Chicago?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Cary, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Cary income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Cary, NC is equivalent to roughly $107,508 in Chicago, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology