Median rent is 23% lower in High Point ($1,062/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in High Point, where the median home runs $212,400 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $61,228 a year). Taken together, High Point is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
High Point is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in High Point vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
High Point, NC
How much would you need to earn in High Point, NC to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in High Point, NC
$66,534
You could earn $8,466 less (11% 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
High Point
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in High Point — median rent of $1,062/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $212,400 in High Point — 33% more expensive.
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 High Point is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.75% in North Carolina; High Point has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
High Point
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for High Point.
Pick High Point if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick High Point if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,062/mo median).
Pick High Point if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Chicago cheaper than High Point?
High Point is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in High Point.
How much is rent in Chicago vs High Point?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,062/mo in High Point, NC. High Point, NC has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or High Point?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $61,228 in High Point, NC. Chicago, IL 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 — Chicago or High Point?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. High Point, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in High Point to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $88,712 in High Point, 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