Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Charlotte is 22% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $58,594 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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