Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Fayetteville to Chicago
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Chicago has higher median household income ($77,902 vs $58,407) and higher median gross rent ($1,440 vs $1,250) than Fayetteville, NC. Chicago’s longer commute (36 vs 21 minutes) is offset by its elevated income, while Fayetteville offers lower housing costs relative to income. Illinois applies a 4.95% state individual income tax in the model, though this is not a personal liability calculation. Neither city universally dominates; the trade-off depends on whether prioritizing income and urban access (Chicago) or lower housing burden and shorter commute (Fayetteville) aligns more closely with individual preferences.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Chicago → FayettevilleMoving from Fayetteville to Chicago
Median Rent Impact
+$190/mo
Moving to Chicago costs ~$2,280 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+5.0%
~$4,950 more state tax on a $100k salary in Illinois.
Daily Commute Difference
+15 min / day
Difference of ~125 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTFAY → CHI
49/ 100
The offer needs work
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$4,560after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainMedian rent is 22% of median income, below common affordability benchmarks.
Watch closelyLower rent burden may reflect older housing stock or income distribution, not necessarily lower housing quality or availability.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Fayetteville is about $2,280 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Fayetteville household income$58,407
Chicago household income$77,902
Fayetteville gross rent$1,250
Chicago gross rent$1,440
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Fayetteville | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 210,815 | 2,711,226 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $77,902 |
| Median gross rent | $1,250 | $1,440 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $188,000 | $334,100 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 4.95% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 21 minutes in Fayetteville and 36 minutes in Chicago. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income
- Median gross rent
- One-way commute time
- State income tax model
What each city wins
Fayetteville
Citywide data. Watch housing vs income.
Chicago
Median rent is 22% of median income, below common affordability benchmarks.. Watch lower rent burden may reflect older housing stock or income distribution, not necessarily lower housing quality or availability..
Frequently asked questions
How do housing costs compare relative to income in each city?
In Fayetteville, median gross rent is $1,250 per month on a $58,407 income, while in Chicago, rent is $1,440 on a $77,902 income. Rent represents a slightly larger share of income in Chicago, though absolute income is higher.
What is the trade-off between commute time and income between the two cities?
Chicago residents earn more on average but face a 36-minute commute, 15 minutes longer than Fayetteville’s 21-minute average. The higher income in Chicago may compensate for the longer travel time depending on individual priorities.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.