Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Charlotte is 8% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $68,807 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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