Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Charlotte is 7% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield is equivalent to $70,093 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
Amazon affiliate links