Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Charlotte is 34% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $49,342 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 · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) match Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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