Charlotte vs Chicago
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Charlotte, NC and Chicago, IL.
Charlotte, NC
COL Index
98
Monthly Budget
$4,900
State Tax
4.0%
Population
1.0M
Chicago, IL
COL Index
107
Monthly Budget
$5,350
State Tax
5.0%
Population
2.7M
Charlotte is 9% less expensive than Chicago
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Charlotte | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,601 | $1,823 | -$222 |
| Groceries | $640 | $686 | -$46 |
| Transport | $786 | $850 | -$64 |
| Healthcare | $394 | $420 | -$26 |
| Utilities | $294 | $321 | -$27 |
| Other | $1,181 | $1,267 | -$86 |
| Total | $4,900 | $5,350 | -$450 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Charlotte (NC) | Chicago (IL) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $3,990 | $4,950 | -$960 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $24,810 | $25,770 | -$960 |
| Take-Home Pay | $75,190 | $74,230 | +$960 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Charlotte salary is worth in Chicago (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Charlotte Salary | Equivalent in Chicago | Chicago Salary | Equivalent in Charlotte |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,592 | $50,000 | $45,794 |
| $75,000 | $81,888 | $75,000 | $68,692 |
| $100,000 | $109,184 | $100,000 | $91,589 |
| $150,000 | $163,776 | $150,000 | $137,383 |