Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Charlotte is 6% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $70,755 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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