Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
Charlotte is 44% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $42,135 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 Irvine sits at 294 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Irvine, a difference of $720,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $3,000 in Irvine.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Irvine scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are lower than Irvine (109).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $108,038 in Irvine. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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