Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Madison, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 6.4% more expensive than Madison, AL. This translates to spending an extra $483 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Madison, AL?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, AL, you'd need approximately $155,800.277 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, AL and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 22.6% more expensive than in Madison, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $943/month in Madison, AL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, AL to Charlotte, NC?

Living in Charlotte, NC costs approximately $483 more per month than Madison, AL, or $5800 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, AL vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Madison, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $483/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.8K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$483

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Madison, AL

Population:61K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$90K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$399K

Madison, AL

The Heart of Dixie

61K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 61K 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: Madison, AL vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Madison, AL	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,014/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $455more	22.6%
🏥Healthcare	$526/mo	$638/mo	↑ $112more	21.3%
📦Other	$1,648/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $59.27more	3.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,259/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $57.02less	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$554/mo	$519/mo	↓ $34.54less	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$982/mo	$989/mo	↑ $7.49more	0.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 22.6%

Madison, AL

$2,014

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$455

🏥Healthcare

↑ 21.3%

Madison, AL

$526

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$112

📦Other

↑ 3.6%

Madison, AL

$1,648

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$59.27

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.5%

Madison, AL

$1,259

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$57.02

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.2%

Madison, AL

$554

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$34.54

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.8%

Madison, AL

$982

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$7.49

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$681

To$1,630

↑ $949

1 Bed

From$786

To$1,710

↑ $924

2 Bed

From$943

To$1,870

↑ $927

3 Bed

From$1,257

To$2,300

↑ $1,043

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.

$6,983

Monthly in Madison, AL

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$542

Difference

Home Values

Madison

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

Madison, 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

Madison, 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.