Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $437 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 6.9% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Nashville, TN to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Charlotte, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $437/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$399K

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

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: Nashville, TN vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Nashville, TN	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $234less	12.1%
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $182less	6.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $81.96less	6.4%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$989/mo	↑ $39.97more	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$638/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

📦Other

↓ 12.1%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$234

less

🏠Housing

↓ 6.9%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$182

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.4%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$81.96

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.2%

Nashville, TN

$949

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$39.97

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.1%

Nashville, TN

$607

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$30.98

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$519

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,630

↑ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,710

↑ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,870

↑ $30.00

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$2,300

↓ $50.00

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$427

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Charlotte

$489K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 18% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville 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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.