Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Medford, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 31.2% cheaper than Medford, MA. This translates to saving $2342 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Medford, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Medford, MA, you'd need approximately $121,891.875 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Medford, MA and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 45.1% cheaper than in Medford, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $2,615/month in Medford, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Medford, MA to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Medford, MA to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $2342 per month, or $28108 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Medford, MA vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Medford, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Medford, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.9K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 31.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,342

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.1K

Per year

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

Medford, MA

Population:59K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$814K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$399K

Medford, MA

The Bay State

59K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 59K 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: Medford, MA vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Medford, MA	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,495/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,026less	45.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,733/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $531less	30.6%
⚡All Utilities	$696/mo	$519/mo	↓ $177less	25.5%
🏥Healthcare	$723/mo	$638/mo	↓ $85.23less	11.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,050/mo	$989/mo	↓ $60.76less	5.8%
📦Other	$1,727/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $19.85less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.1%

Medford, MA

$4,495

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,026

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.6%

Medford, MA

$1,733

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$531

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 25.5%

Medford, MA

$696

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$177

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.8%

Medford, MA

$723

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$85.23

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Medford, MA

$1,050

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$60.76

less

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

Medford, MA

$1,727

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$19.85

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,100

To$1,630

↓ $470

1 Bed

From$2,205

To$1,710

↓ $495

2 Bed

From$2,615

To$1,870

↓ $745

3 Bed

From$3,138

To$2,300

↓ $838

Medford, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,740–$2,740/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.

$10,425

Monthly in Medford, MA

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$2,900

Difference

Home Values

Medford

Charlotte

$814K

Median Value

$399K

↑ +0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +24.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$814K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 51% less expensive than Medford

Calculate payment - Medford Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Medford, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/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

Medford, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.