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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Alabaster, AL — COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area + state data

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.4K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
↑ 16.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,197
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.4K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alabaster, AL

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$90K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:116
Median Home:$399K

Alabaster, AL

The Heart of Dixie

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 34K residents.

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Major banking center
  • •NASCAR headquarters
  • •Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alabaster, AL vs Charlotte, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 48.4%
Alabaster, AL
$1,664
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
Difference
$805
more
📦Other
↑ 12.9%
Alabaster, AL
$1,513
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
Difference
$194
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 26.6%
Alabaster, AL
$504
Charlotte, NC
$638
Difference
$134
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 5.2%
Alabaster, AL
$941
Charlotte, NC
$989
Difference
$48.62
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 4.0%
Alabaster, AL
$1,156
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
Difference
$46.27
more
⚡All Utilities
↓ 2.1%
Alabaster, AL
$530
Charlotte, NC
$519
Difference
$11.34
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$531
To$1,630
↑ $1,099
1 Bed
From$613
To$1,710
↑ $1,097
2 Bed
From$736
To$1,870
↑ $1,134
3 Bed
From$981
To$2,300
↑ $1,319
Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,308
Monthly in Alabaster, AL
$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$1,217
Difference

Home Values

Alabaster
Charlotte
-
Median Value
$399K
-
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +40.8%
-
Price Range
$293K - $1.57M
Calculate payment - Charlotte

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $335
Per year
Monthly Difference
$27.92
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.2%
Rate difference

Alabaster, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Alabaster, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Alabaster
Charlotte
57 Moderate
Air Quality
51 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
46.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Alabama and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

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