What is the cost of living in Charlotte?

The cost of living in Charlotte is 42.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 57.7). Groceries are 20.1% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 26.9% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,898 per month. Local purchasing power index is 142.2 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 NC, United States · #69 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Charlotte?

Q: Should I move to Charlotte?

Charlotte, NC, United States has a cost of living 42.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 57.7). It is ranked #69 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 142.2 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

42.3% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-42.3%

vs NYC

USD 1,898

1-BR, city centre

142.2

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Charlotte?

Cost breakdown: Charlotte

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

57.7 Expensive

Rent

41.5 Affordable

Groceries

79.9 Above average

Restaurants

73.1 Moderate

Purchasing Power

142.2 Very strong

Rent in Charlotte

1-BR, city centre USD 1,898/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,372/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 3,446/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,327/mo

Save by going outside centre 28% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Winston-Salem

NC, United States

CoL index 57.3

Compare Winston-Salem vs Charlotte →

🇺🇸 Raleigh

NC, United States

CoL index 55.0

Compare Raleigh vs Charlotte →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Charlotte after tax, in seconds.

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