Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Monterey Park, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 38.4% cheaper than Monterey Park, CA. This translates to saving $2880 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Monterey Park, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Monterey Park, CA, you'd need approximately $115,443.797 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Monterey Park, CA and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 61.0% cheaper than in Monterey Park, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,826/month in Monterey Park, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Monterey Park, CA to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Monterey Park, CA to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $2880 per month, or $34556 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Monterey Park, CA vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Monterey Park, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Monterey Park, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.4K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,880

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.6K

Per year

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

Monterey Park, CA

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$907K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:62

Median Home:$399K

Monterey Park, CA

The Golden State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 58K 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: Monterey Park, CA vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Monterey Park, CA	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,337/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,868less	61.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,961/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $759less	38.7%
📦Other	$1,573/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $135more	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$528/mo	$638/mo	↑ $110more	20.9%
⚡All Utilities	$531/mo	$519/mo	↓ $12.16less	2.3%
🛒Groceries	$992/mo	$989/mo	↓ $2.27less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.0%

Monterey Park, CA

$6,337

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,868

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.7%

Monterey Park, CA

$1,961

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$759

less

📦Other

↑ 8.6%

Monterey Park, CA

$1,573

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$135

🏥Healthcare

↑ 20.9%

Monterey Park, CA

$528

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$110

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.3%

Monterey Park, CA

$531

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$12.16

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.2%

Monterey Park, CA

$992

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$2.27

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,305

To$1,630

↑ $325

1 Bed

From$1,463

To$1,710

↑ $247

2 Bed

From$1,826

To$1,870

↑ $44.00

3 Bed

From$2,317

To$2,300

↓ $17.00

Monterey Park, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,880–$1,910/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.

$11,921

Monthly in Monterey Park, CA

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$4,396

Difference

Home Values

Monterey Park

Charlotte

$907K

Median Value

$399K

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +28.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$899K - $914K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 56% less expensive than Monterey Park

Calculate payment - Monterey Park Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Monterey Park, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Monterey Park, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.