Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 25.4% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $1904 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $127,153.846 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 47.5% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $1904 per month, or $22846 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Portland, OR

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Charlotte, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.2K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,904

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.8K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$399K

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

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, OR vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Portland, OR	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,235less	47.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $519less	30.2%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $218less	11.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$989/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.5%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$519/mo	↑ $43.71more	9.2%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$638/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 47.5%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,235

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.2%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$519

less

📦Other

↓ 11.3%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$218

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.5%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$79.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.2%

Portland, OR

$475

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$43.71

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.7%

Portland, OR

$663

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$24.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Charlotte, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,555

To$1,630

↑ $75.00

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,710

↑ $55.00

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,870

↓ $30.00

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$2,300

↓ $290

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$3,033

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Charlotte

$535K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 25% 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

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$699

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

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.