Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Towson, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 3.7% cheaper than Towson, MD. This translates to saving $278 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Towson, MD, you'd need approximately $146,660.206 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Towson, MD and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 7.4% cheaper than in Towson, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,333/month in Towson, MD.

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

Moving from Towson, MD to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $278 per month, or $3340 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Towson, MD vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Towson, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in Towson, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $278/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in Charlotte, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$278

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

Towson, MD

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$399K

Towson, MD

The Old Line State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 60K 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: Towson, MD vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Towson, MD	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,667/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $199less	7.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,311/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $109less	8.3%
📦Other	$1,623/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $84.76more	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,062/mo	$989/mo	↓ $72.55less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$591/mo	$519/mo	↓ $72.18less	12.2%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$638/mo	↑ $64.36more	11.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.4%

Towson, MD

$2,667

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$199

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.3%

Towson, MD

$1,311

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$109

less

📦Other

↑ 5.2%

Towson, MD

$1,623

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$84.76

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Towson, MD

$1,062

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$72.55

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.2%

Towson, MD

$591

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$72.18

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.2%

Towson, MD

$574

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$64.36

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$929

To$1,630

↑ $701

1 Bed

From$1,091

To$1,710

↑ $619

2 Bed

From$1,333

To$1,870

↑ $537

3 Bed

From$1,777

To$2,300

↑ $523

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.

$7,828

Monthly in Towson, MD

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$303

Difference

Home Values

Towson

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

↑ $135

Per year

Monthly Difference

$11.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Towson, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Towson, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.