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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $689/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.3K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area
Overall Cost
↑ 9.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$689
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$8.3K
Per year

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

Keller, TX

Population:46K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$574K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:
109
(9% above avg)
Median Home:$399K

Keller, TX

The Lone Star State

46K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 46K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • β€’Major banking center
  • β€’NASCAR headquarters
  • β€’Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Keller, TX vs Charlotte, NC

Housing
↑ 31.3%
Keller, TX
$1,881
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
Difference
$588
more
Groceries
↑ 11.3%
Keller, TX
$889
Charlotte, NC
$989
Difference
$100
more
Other
↑ 5.9%
Keller, TX
$1,612
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
Difference
$95.12
more
Healthcare
↑ 8.7%
Keller, TX
$587
Charlotte, NC
$638
Difference
$51.01
more
All Utilities
↓ 1.8%
Keller, TX
$528
Charlotte, NC
$519
Difference
$9.30
less
Transportation
↑ 0.1%
Keller, TX
$1,201
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
Difference
$1.34
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,590
To$1,630
↑ $40.00
1 Bed
From$1,645
To$1,710
↑ $65.00
2 Bed
From$1,924
To$1,870
↓ $54.00
3 Bed
From$2,536
To$2,300
↓ $236
Keller, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,070–$2,070/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/mo

πŸ’‘ 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.

$6,699
Monthly in Keller, TX
$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$826
Difference

Home Values

Keller
Charlotte
$574K
Median Value
$399K
↓ -0.1%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +38.7%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.8%
$574K
Price Range
$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 31% less expensive than Keller

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

Keller, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

Keller, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

πŸ’‘ 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

Keller
Charlotte
54 Moderate
Air Quality
51 Moderate
35.5%
Good Air Days
46.2%
99 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
🌊πŸŒͺπŸ’¨
β–²+2.7Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.9Β°F
94 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
36 days
β–²+2.7Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.9Β°F
94 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
36 days

What to Consider When Moving from Keller, TX to Charlotte, NC

Relocating from Keller, TX to Charlotte, NC involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 9% higher in Charlotte, NC, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Charlotte, NC is 31% more expensive than in Keller, TX. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Charlotte, NC pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Charlotte, NC to match your current standard of living in Keller, TX.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Charlotte, NC for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Keller, TX vs Charlotte, NC

Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Keller, TX?

Charlotte, NC is approximately 9.2% more expensive than Keller, TX overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $689/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 31% more in Charlotte, NC.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to match my lifestyle in Keller, TX?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Keller, TX, you would need approximately $158,270 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Keller, TX and Charlotte, NC?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,924/month in Keller, TX compared to $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC. One-bedroom apartments are $1,645/month in Keller, TX vs $1,710/month in Charlotte, NC. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Keller, TX or Charlotte, NC?

Groceries are about 11% more expensive in Charlotte, NC than in Keller, TX, which adds roughly $100/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Keller, TX to Charlotte, NC?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

πŸ’° See how taxes change too β€” compare take-home pay between Texas and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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