Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Springfield, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 2.7% more expensive than Springfield, IL. This translates to spending an extra $205 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, IL, you'd need approximately $152,457.951 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Springfield, IL and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 21.6% more expensive than in Springfield, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,487/month in Springfield, IL.

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

Living in Charlotte, NC costs approximately $205 more per month than Springfield, IL, or $2458 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Springfield, IL vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Springfield, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

Current salary in Springfield, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $205/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.5K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$205

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Springfield, IL

Population:113K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$145K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$399K

Springfield, IL

The Prairie State

113K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 113K 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: Springfield, IL vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Springfield, IL	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,031/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $438more	21.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,319/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $117less	8.9%
🏥Healthcare	$549/mo	$638/mo	↑ $89.52more	16.3%
⚡All Utilities	$558/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.76less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,744/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $36.64less	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$989/mo	$989/mo	↑ $0.31more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 21.6%

Springfield, IL

$2,031

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$438

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.9%

Springfield, IL

$1,319

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$117

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.3%

Springfield, IL

$549

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$89.52

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Springfield, IL

$558

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$38.76

less

📦Other

↓ 2.1%

Springfield, IL

$1,744

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$36.64

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.0%

Springfield, IL

$989

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$0.31

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,020

To$1,630

↑ $610

1 Bed

From$1,194

To$1,710

↑ $516

2 Bed

From$1,487

To$1,870

↑ $383

3 Bed

From$1,986

To$2,300

↑ $314

Springfield, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,100–$1,100/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.

$7,190

Monthly in Springfield, IL

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$335

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Charlotte

Median Value

$399K

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Calculate payment - Charlotte

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $300

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.00

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Springfield, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Springfield, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.