Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 0.0% cheaper than Raleigh, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 0.0% cheaper than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

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

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

Raleigh, NC vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

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Raleigh, NC and Charlotte, NC have similar living costs

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

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$399K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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: Raleigh, NC vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Raleigh, NC	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $81.96less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$638/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$989/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$519/mo	↓ $27.32less	5.0%
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,469/mo	→ $0	0.0%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,707/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.4%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$81.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.2%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$37.17

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$29.98

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$27.32

less

🏠Housing

→ 0.0%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

same

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,630

↑ $60.00

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,710

↑ $70.00

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,870

↑ $70.00

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,300

↑ $45.00

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$42.13

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Charlotte

$512K

Median Value

$399K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 22% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Raleigh, 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

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

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.