Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Melbourne, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 2.3% cheaper than Melbourne, FL. This translates to saving $173 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Melbourne, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Melbourne, FL, you'd need approximately $147,919.363 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Melbourne, FL and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 5.3% more expensive than in Melbourne, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,450/month in Melbourne, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Melbourne, FL to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Melbourne, FL to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $173 per month, or $2081 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Melbourne, FL vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Melbourne, FL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Orlando, FL area

Current salary in Melbourne, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $173/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.9K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$173

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.1K

Per year

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

Melbourne, FL

Population:87K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$264K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$399K

Melbourne, FL

The Sunshine State

87K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 87K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida 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: Melbourne, FL vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Melbourne, FL	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,345/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $124more	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$560/mo	$638/mo	↑ $78.50more	14.0%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$519/mo	↓ $44.23less	7.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,238/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $35.78less	2.9%
📦Other	$1,743/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $35.42less	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,001/mo	$989/mo	↓ $11.48less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 5.3%

Melbourne, FL

$2,345

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$124

🏥Healthcare

↑ 14.0%

Melbourne, FL

$560

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$78.50

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.9%

Melbourne, FL

$563

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$44.23

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.9%

Melbourne, FL

$1,238

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$35.78

less

📦Other

↓ 2.0%

Melbourne, FL

$1,743

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$35.42

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.1%

Melbourne, FL

$1,001

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$11.48

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,073

To$1,630

↑ $557

1 Bed

From$1,254

To$1,710

↑ $456

2 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,870

↑ $420

3 Bed

From$1,975

To$2,300

↑ $325

Melbourne, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$2,000/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.

$7,449

Monthly in Melbourne, FL

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$75.46

Difference

Home Values

Melbourne

Charlotte

$264K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -5.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +31.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$263K - $477K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 51% more expensive than Melbourne

Calculate payment - Melbourne 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

Melbourne, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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

Melbourne, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.