Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Charlotte is 4% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $72,115 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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