Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Charlotte is 40% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $45,181 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 Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $520,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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