Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Charlotte is 10% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $67,568 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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