Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Redmond, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 40.7% cheaper than Redmond, WA. This translates to saving $3055 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Redmond, WA, you'd need approximately $113,343.011 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Redmond, WA and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 61.7% cheaper than in Redmond, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $2,596/month in Redmond, WA.

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

Moving from Redmond, WA to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $3055 per month, or $36657 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Redmond, WA vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Redmond, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Redmond, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.3K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,055

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.7K

Per year

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

Redmond, WA

Population:80K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.36M

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:59

Median Home:$399K

Redmond, WA

The Evergreen State

80K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 80K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Redmond, WA vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Redmond, WA	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,454/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $3,985less	61.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,807/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $605less	33.5%
📦Other	$1,880/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $172less	9.2%
🏥Healthcare	$804/mo	$638/mo	↓ $166less	20.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,053/mo	$989/mo	↓ $63.44less	6.0%
⚡All Utilities	$469/mo	$519/mo	↑ $50.06more	10.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.7%

Redmond, WA

$6,454

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$3,985

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 33.5%

Redmond, WA

$1,807

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$605

less

📦Other

↓ 9.2%

Redmond, WA

$1,880

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$172

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.6%

Redmond, WA

$804

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$166

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.0%

Redmond, WA

$1,053

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$63.44

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.7%

Redmond, WA

$469

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$50.06

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,151

To$1,630

↓ $521

1 Bed

From$2,228

To$1,710

↓ $518

2 Bed

From$2,596

To$1,870

↓ $726

3 Bed

From$3,397

To$2,300

↓ $1,097

Redmond, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,670–$2,840/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.

$12,465

Monthly in Redmond, WA

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$4,941

Difference

Home Values

Redmond

Charlotte

$1.36M

Median Value

$399K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +46.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$1.31M - $1.42M

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 71% less expensive than Redmond

Calculate payment - Redmond 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

Redmond, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

Redmond, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.