Moving from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL
Straight-line distance: 639 miles.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $1,064 – $1,673 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2,661 – $4,138 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $4,609 – $7,137 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
How Chicago compares to Raleigh
On median home value, Raleigh comes in at $347,000 — 14% higher than Chicago, where the median is $304,500.
Households earn a median $78,631 in Raleigh, compared with $71,673 in Chicago.
Monthly rent typically costs $1,371 in Raleigh and $1,314 in Chicago.
Raleigh carries FEMA's Relatively High hazard rating, compared with Very High for Chicago.
Chicago, IL comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Raleigh, NC, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 465,517 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $347,000 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $78,631 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,371 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.