Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Federal Way, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 12.6% cheaper than Federal Way, WA. This translates to saving $947 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Federal Way, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Federal Way, WA, you'd need approximately $138,637.635 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Federal Way, WA and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 18.0% cheaper than in Federal Way, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,883/month in Federal Way, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Federal Way, WA to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Federal Way, WA to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $947 per month, or $11362 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Federal Way, WA vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Federal Way, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Federal Way, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $947/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$947

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

Federal Way, WA

Population:98K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$575K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$399K

Federal Way, WA

The Evergreen State

98K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 98K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Federal Way, WA vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Federal Way, WA	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,865/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $663less	35.6%
🏠Housing	$3,010/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $541less	18.0%
🏥Healthcare	$817/mo	$638/mo	↓ $179less	21.9%
📦Other	$1,612/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $95.77more	5.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,070/mo	$989/mo	↓ $80.41less	7.5%
⚡All Utilities	$477/mo	$519/mo	↑ $42.49more	8.9%

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.6%

Federal Way, WA

$1,865

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$663

less

🏠Housing

↓ 18.0%

Federal Way, WA

$3,010

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$541

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 21.9%

Federal Way, WA

$817

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$179

less

📦Other

↑ 5.9%

Federal Way, WA

$1,612

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$95.77

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.5%

Federal Way, WA

$1,070

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$80.41

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.9%

Federal Way, WA

$477

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$42.49

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,562

To$1,630

↑ $68.00

1 Bed

From$1,616

To$1,710

↑ $94.00

2 Bed

From$1,883

To$1,870

↓ $13.00

3 Bed

From$2,468

To$2,300

↓ $168

Federal Way, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,880–$1,990/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.

$8,850

Monthly in Federal Way, WA

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$1,325

Difference

Home Values

Federal Way

Charlotte

$575K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +28.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$549K - $601K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 31% less expensive than Federal Way

Calculate payment - Federal Way Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Federal Way, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Federal Way, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.