Chicago, IL vs Charlotte, NC
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago and Charlotte sit close to each other across the headline cost-of-living indicators — typical homes within 10% of each other, median incomes within 4%. The relocation math comes down to non-housing factors: taxes, commute, climate, and personal preference.
Median Home Value
$315,200 ✓
$351,500
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$393,846
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,504/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
51.5%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
19.5x
Median Household Income
$75,134
$78,438 ✓
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$49,991
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
4.4% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
11.7%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
26.8 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
61.0%
Public Transit %
19.3%
2.2%
Work From Home %
18.3%
25.5%
State Income Tax
5.0%
4.5%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
7.0% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
0.8%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
30.4%
Median Age
35.7
34.4
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
72.2°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
43.6"
Annual Snowfall
—
3.5"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
Charlotte, NC 3 wins
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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