Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Charlotte is 6% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $70,755 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 · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) match Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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