Chicago, IL vs Durham, NC
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
On the headline indicators, Chicago and Durham are closely matched markets (homes within 11% of each other). Distinguishing the two usually requires looking past the cost averages — at the tax structure, commute patterns, and individual neighborhood differences.
Median Home Value
$315,200 ✓
$355,300
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$393,151
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,412/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
51.8%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
21.0x
Median Household Income
$75,134
$79,234 ✓
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$47,246
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
4.2% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
12.2%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
24.4 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
65.2%
Public Transit %
19.3%
2.2%
Work From Home %
18.3%
20.6%
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%
28.8%
Median Age
35.7
34.8
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
72.0°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
46.1"
Annual Snowfall
—
5.2"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
Durham, NC 3 wins
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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