Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Greenville is 5% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $71,250 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
Amazon affiliate links