Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Merrillville, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 0.2% cheaper than Merrillville, IN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Merrillville, IN?

If you earn $150,000 in Merrillville, IN, you'd need approximately $149,775.817 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Merrillville, IN and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 0.6% cheaper than in Merrillville, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,216/month in Merrillville, IN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Merrillville, IN to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Merrillville, IN to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $19 per month, or $224 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Merrillville, IN vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Merrillville, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Merrillville, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $18.68/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.8K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$18.68

Savings

Annual Impact

$224

Per year

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

Merrillville, IN

Population:36K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$233K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$399K

Merrillville, IN

The Hoosier State

36K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 36K 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: Merrillville, IN vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Merrillville, IN	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,511/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $309less	20.5%
📦Other	$1,581/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $126more	8.0%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$638/mo	↑ $74.03more	13.1%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$519/mo	↑ $26.76more	5.4%
🏠Housing	$2,483/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $13.85less	0.6%
🛒Groceries	$976/mo	$989/mo	↑ $13.09more	1.3%

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.5%

Merrillville, IN

$1,511

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$309

less

📦Other

↑ 8.0%

Merrillville, IN

$1,581

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$126

🏥Healthcare

↑ 13.1%

Merrillville, IN

$564

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$74.03

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.4%

Merrillville, IN

$492

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$26.76

🏠Housing

↓ 0.6%

Merrillville, IN

$2,483

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$13.85

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.3%

Merrillville, IN

$976

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$13.09

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$887

To$1,630

↑ $743

1 Bed

From$1,002

To$1,710

↑ $708

2 Bed

From$1,216

To$1,870

↑ $654

3 Bed

From$1,491

To$2,300

↑ $809

Merrillville, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,310–$1,310/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.

$7,608

Monthly in Merrillville, IN

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$82.99

Difference

Home Values

Merrillville

Charlotte

$233K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +34.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$233K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 71% more expensive than Merrillville

Calculate payment - Merrillville Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$190

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Merrillville, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

Merrillville, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

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.