Median rent is 5% lower in Wilmington ($1,311/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $350,300. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $63,900 a year). Taken together, Wilmington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.7 against 105.7 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Wilmington is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.7 in Wilmington vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Wilmington, NC
How much would you need to earn in Wilmington, NC to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Wilmington, NC
$71,477
You could earn $3,523 less (5% 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
Wilmington
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 $1,311/mo in Wilmington. Median home values are within 10% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $350,300 in Wilmington.
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 Wilmington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.75% in North Carolina; Wilmington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Wilmington
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Wilmington.
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.7 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Wilmington?
Wilmington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Wilmington.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Wilmington?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,311/mo in Wilmington, NC. Wilmington, NC has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Wilmington?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $63,900 in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Wilmington, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $95,302 in Wilmington, 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