Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Charlotte is 15% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $63,559 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 · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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