Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Kent, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 14.2% cheaper than Kent, WA. This translates to saving $1062 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Kent, WA, you'd need approximately $137,256.637 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 27.5% cheaper than in Kent, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $2,350/month in Kent, WA.

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

Moving from Kent, WA to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $1062 per month, or $12743 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Kent, WA vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Kent, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.3K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,062

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.7K

Per year

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

Kent, WA

Population:133K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$659K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$399K

Kent, WA

The Evergreen State

133K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 133K 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: Kent, WA vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Kent, WA	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,404/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $936less	27.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $697less	36.7%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$638/mo	↓ $186less	22.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$989/mo	↓ $89.93less	8.3%
📦Other	$1,641/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $66.96more	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$519/mo	↑ $38.25more	8.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 27.5%

Kent, WA

$3,404

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$936

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.7%

Kent, WA

$1,899

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$697

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 22.6%

Kent, WA

$824

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$186

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.3%

Kent, WA

$1,079

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$89.93

less

📦Other

↑ 4.1%

Kent, WA

$1,641

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.0%

Kent, WA

$481

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$38.25

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,950

To$1,630

↓ $320

1 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,710

↓ $310

2 Bed

From$2,350

To$1,870

↓ $480

3 Bed

From$3,070

To$2,300

↓ $770

Kent, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,210/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.

$9,328

Monthly in Kent, WA

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$1,803

Difference

Home Values

Kent

Charlotte

$659K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +28.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$525K - $690K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 39% less expensive than Kent

Calculate payment - Kent 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

Kent, 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

Kent, 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.