Median rent is 2% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,412/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $355,300. Households earn more in Durham ($79,234 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 105.7 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
Quick verdict
Durham is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Durham vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Durham, NC
How much would you need to earn in Durham, NC to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Durham, NC
$67,463
You could earn $7,537 less (10% lower) and break even.
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
Chicago
Illinois
Durham
North Carolina
👥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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,380/mo in Chicago and $1,412/mo in Durham. Median home values are within 11% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $355,300 in Durham.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Durham is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.75% in North Carolina; Durham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Durham
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Durham?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Durham?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,412/mo in Durham, NC. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Durham?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $79,234 in Durham, NC. Durham, 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 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Durham?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Durham, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,950 in Durham, NC (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