salaryCharlotte is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chicago to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,881
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,690
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$88,510
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$385,700
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,808
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$126
$90
👥 People living there
903,844
2,711,226
Commute to work
24.7 min
33.1 min
College degree
48%
44.3%
Own their home
51%
46%
Below poverty line
11.7%
16.8%
Unemployment
4.6%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Charlotte for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Chicago for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Charlotte | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $38,700 | $82,820 | +114% in Chicago |
| Plumber | $58,690 | $103,380 | +76% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $59,080 | $102,350 | +73% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $63,190 | $107,810 | +71% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $50,960 | $80,440 | +58% in Chicago |
| Elementary School Teacher | $58,680 | $78,390 | +34% in Chicago |
| HVAC Technician | $59,840 | $77,960 | +30% in Chicago |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $65,140 | $78,070 | +20% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlotte or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Charlotte is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,881 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Charlotte?
About $63,850 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Charlotte or Chicago?
The typical household earns $88,510 in Charlotte and $84,017 in Chicago, 5% more in Charlotte.