Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Charlotte is 23% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $57,692 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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