MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Matthews, NC โ€” COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area + state data

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 14.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,087
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.0K
Per year

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

Matthews, NC

Population:31K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$399K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$558K

Matthews, NC

The Tar Heel State

31K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 31K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขLive music capital
  • โ€ขMajor tech hub
  • โ€ขSXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Matthews, NC vs Austin, TX

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 40.0%
Matthews, NC
$2,061
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$824
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 15.2%
Matthews, NC
$1,115
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$169
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 9.9%
Matthews, NC
$1,584
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$157
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 8.2%
Matthews, NC
$500
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$41.05
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†“ 4.2%
Matthews, NC
$615
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$25.97
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 0.7%
Matthews, NC
$953
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$6.59
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$749
To$1,585
โ†‘ $836
1 Bed
From$867
To$1,685
โ†‘ $818
2 Bed
From$1,064
To$1,995
โ†‘ $931
3 Bed
From$1,419
To$2,525
โ†‘ $1,106
Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490โ€“$2,350/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,826
Monthly in Matthews, NC
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,172
Difference

Home Values

Matthews
Austin
-
Median Value
$558K
-
YoY Change
โ†“ -5%
-
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +12.6%
-
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $7.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$594
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.7%
Rate difference

Matthews, 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

Austin, 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

Additional Tax Information

Matthews, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

๐Ÿ’ก 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

Matthews
Austin
51 Moderate
Air Quality
52 Moderate
46.2%
Good Air Days
42.6%
97 High
Climate Risk
98 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
98 days
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
98 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between North Carolina and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Matthews, NC on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison