Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Charlotte is 7% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $70,093 in Charlotte.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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