Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
San Antonio is 10% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $67,500 in San Antonio.
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 San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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