Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Aurora, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 11.8% cheaper than Aurora, CO. This translates to saving $886 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Aurora, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, CO, you'd need approximately $139,363.636 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Aurora, CO and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 24.0% cheaper than in Aurora, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $2,140/month in Aurora, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Aurora, CO to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Aurora, CO to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $886 per month, or $10636 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Aurora, CO vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Aurora, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Aurora, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $886/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.4K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$886

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.6K

Per year

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

Aurora, CO

Population:395K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$431K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$399K

Aurora, CO

The Centennial State

395K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 395K 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: Aurora, CO vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Aurora, CO	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $780less	24.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $260less	17.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$989/mo	↓ $39.97less	3.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$638/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.0%

Aurora, CO

$3,248

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$780

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.8%

Aurora, CO

$1,462

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Aurora, CO

$1,774

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.9%

Aurora, CO

$1,029

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$39.97

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Aurora, CO

$632

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$6.20

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Aurora, CO

$519

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Aurora, CO: Aurora Head Tax ($2/mo, negligible)$24.00/yr (0.0%)

Charlotte, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,685

To$1,630

↓ $55.00

1 Bed

From$1,795

To$1,710

↓ $85.00

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,870

↓ $270

3 Bed

From$2,805

To$2,300

↓ $505

Aurora, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,270/mo

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.

$8,665

Monthly in Aurora, CO

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$1,140

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Charlotte

$431K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +18.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$353K - $728K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 8% less expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $525

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$43.75

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Aurora, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Aurora, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.