Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 0.8% more expensive than Portland, ME. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $150,737.565 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, ME and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 19.5% cheaper than in Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,202/month in Portland, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, ME to Charlotte, NC?

Portland, ME and Charlotte, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portland, ME vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Portland, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $61.46/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.7K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$61.46

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$738

Per year

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

Portland, ME

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$527K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$399K

Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 69K 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: Portland, ME vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Portland, ME	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $597less	19.5%
📦Other	$1,178/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $529more	44.9%
🛒Groceries	$867/mo	$989/mo	↑ $122more	14.1%
⚡All Utilities	$575/mo	$519/mo	↓ $56.10less	9.8%
🏥Healthcare	$597/mo	$638/mo	↑ $40.72more	6.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,182/mo	$1,202/mo	↑ $20.14more	1.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.5%

Portland, ME

$3,066

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$597

less

📦Other

↑ 44.9%

Portland, ME

$1,178

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$529

🛒Groceries

↑ 14.1%

Portland, ME

$867

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$122

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.8%

Portland, ME

$575

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$56.10

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.8%

Portland, ME

$597

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$40.72

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.7%

Portland, ME

$1,182

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$20.14

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$829

To$1,630

↑ $801

1 Bed

From$939

To$1,710

↑ $771

2 Bed

From$1,202

To$1,870

↑ $668

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,300

↑ $840

Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,780/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.

$7,466

Monthly in Portland, ME

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$59.11

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Charlotte

$527K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$510K - $642K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 24% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$264

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Portland, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

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

Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

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.