Chicago vs Charlotte: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Chicago's typical home is worth $304,500, 3% lower than the typical home in Charlotte at $312,800.
Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago versus $74,070 in Charlotte.
On median rent, Chicago runs $1,314 while Charlotte runs $1,399.
Natural-hazard risk differs here: FEMA rates Chicago Very High and Charlotte Relatively High.
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,721,914 | 875,045 |
| Median home value | $304,500 | $312,800 |
| Median household income | $71,673 | $74,070 |
| Median gross rent | $1,314 | $1,399 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Housing is cheaper across the board in Chicago, IL compared with Charlotte, NC: lower home values, lower rent. Other cost-of-living factors aren't reflected here.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.