Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Rochester is 6% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $70,500 in Rochester.
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 York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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