Median rent is 17% lower in Chapel Hill ($1,483/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chapel Hill, where the median home runs $576,500 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Chapel Hill ($85,825 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Chapel Hill is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 113.0 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chapel Hill, NC.
Quick verdict
Chapel Hill is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Chapel Hill vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Chapel Hill, NC
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Chapel Hill, NC?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$89,122
You'd need $14,122 more (19% 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
Chapel Hill
North Carolina
New York
New York
👥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 Chapel Hill at $1,483/mo compared to $1,779/mo in New York (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $576,500 in Chapel Hill — 23% 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 10.90% in New York, so Chapel Hill is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chapel Hill
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Chapel Hill.
Pick Chapel Hill if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 113.0).
Pick Chapel Hill if you prioritize higher median household income ($85,825/yr).
Pick Chapel Hill if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,483/mo median).
Pick Chapel Hill if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Chapel Hill cheaper than New York?
Chapel Hill is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Chapel Hill.
How much is rent in Chapel Hill vs New York?
Median rent is $1,483/mo in Chapel Hill, NC and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Chapel Hill, NC has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Chapel Hill or New York?
Median household income is $85,825 in Chapel Hill, NC and $79,713 in New York, NY. Chapel Hill, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chapel Hill or New York?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and New York's is 10.90%. Chapel Hill, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Chapel Hill income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chapel Hill, NC is equivalent to roughly $118,830 in New York, NY (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