Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Charlotte is 15% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $64,103 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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