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Moving from Illinois to North Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

NC state flag
Moving to

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Median household income $66,186 · winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days

Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

North Carolina has an overall price level 94.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
North Carolina
94.3
North Carolina has 5.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
North Carolina
81.4
North Carolina has 13% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Illinois
103.8
North Carolina
96.6
North Carolina has 6.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
North Carolina
99.1
North Carolina has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
20.5 ¢/kWh
North Carolina
16.3 ¢/kWh
North Carolina has 21% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
North Carolina
98.9
North Carolina has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
North Carolina
$333,000
North Carolina is 19% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,322/mo
North Carolina
$1,338/mo
North Carolina is 1.2% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
North Carolina
88°F
North Carolina is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
North Carolina
30°F
North Carolina is 58% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
189°F
North Carolina
59°F
North Carolina is 69% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
39
North Carolina
213
North Carolina has 446% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
56 in
North Carolina
50 in
North Carolina is 11% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
1
North Carolina
66
North Carolina has 6500% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Illinois
25
North Carolina
0
North Carolina has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
6 in

Get the full IllinoisNorth Carolina report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina than Illinois?

North Carolina's overall price level is roughly 95 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% income tax. North Carolina tops out at 3.99%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Carolina?

Most North Carolina residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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