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Cost of Living in
Charlotte
Living cost is 1.1% higher than avg
Families spend upto $8,862/mo on avg
Homeowners spend $8,560/mo on avg
Renters spend $4,699/mo on avg
Cost of Living in
Charlotte
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A Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC
U.S. Avg.
Charlotte, NC
Difference Diff
Home Price
$532,491
$547,249
3% Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$1,542
13% U.S. Avg.
Charlotte, NC
Difference Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$190.78
13% Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$198.99
1% U.S. Avg.
Charlotte, NC
Difference Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$5.51
19% Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.1
13% Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$3.87
20% Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$10.13
64% Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$21.38
10% Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.3
19% Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$1.75
4% Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.43
17% Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$4.15
7% Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$1.63
1% Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$1.66
3% Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$16.64
14% Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$5.26
1% Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$7.78
10% Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$3
13% Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.54
18% Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$6.02
8% Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$4.78
8% Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.40
$2.75
38% Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$2.01
2% Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.77
20% Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$4.58
18% Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$4.94
5% Margarine (per lb)
$1.30
$1.52
17% Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$4.33
9% Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$4.74
16% Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.32
8% U.S. Avg.
Charlotte, NC
Difference Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$76.89
9% Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$2.93
1% U.S. Avg.
Charlotte, NC
Difference Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$185.87
60% Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$121.67
16% Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$11.94
4% Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$26.53
28% Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$252.47
165% U.S. Avg.
Charlotte, NC
Difference Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$38.78
9% Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$28.25
4% Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$37.63
4% Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$10.37
38% Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$10.1
10% Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$78.97
21% Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$5.35
49% Yoga (per class)
$12
$25.43
112% Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$13.13
13% Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$12.99
33% Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$71.94
34% Women Slacks
$34.88
$31.69
9% Boy Jeans
$29.51
$22.19
25% Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$57.86
48% Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$18.61
38% Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.74
12% Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$3.95
9% Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$67.83
43% Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$39
44% Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$5.26
20% Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$10.99
8% Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$5.07
4% Welcome to the Queen City—where the cost of living is 1.1% higher than the national average. As the second-largest banking hub in the US with a growing tech and innovation center, Charlotte blends vibrant city life with reasonable living costs. Thanks to steady job growth and a strong local economy, the city offers a good balance of affordability and urban amenities.
- Housing in Charlotte is 3% higher than the US average. A one-bedroom home in Charlotte costs around $433,000, compared to the national median of $510,000. With a 15–20% down payment, that’s about $65,000 to $87,000 upfront. Monthly mortgage payments typically range between $2,700 and $3,200, depending on loan terms and interest rates. That’s up to 15% cheaper than the national average of $3,100.
- Rent in Charlotte is 12.8% higher than the national average, making it more affordable than cities like Atlanta or Denver. A two-bedroom home in Charlotte costs $1,800 per month, compared to the US median of $2,360. Four-bedroom rentals are also about 15% cheaper. However, neighborhoods like South End and Dilworth have seen 8% rent hikes in the past year, fueled by new developments and high demand.
- Utilities in Charlotte are 6% lower the national average. Summers here can be brutally hot and humid—step outside, and it feels like hugging a damp towel—so air conditioning runs nearly non-stop. Electricity bills typically range from $120 to $180 per month, depending on home size and usage. Add in water, sewer, and trash, and the total monthly utility cost is between $180 and $260.
- Food prices in Charlotte are 2% higher than the national average. A gallon of milk costs $4.25—about 6% more than in Raleigh, but 10% less than in Denver. A family of four might spend $1,050 to $1,350 each month on food, while a single person can manage with $350 to $500. Farmers’ markets can be expensive, but stores like Harris Teeter and Aldi offer more affordable options.
- Transportation costs are 17.31% higher the national average. Gas prices are $2.93 per gallon, just a little less than the national average of $3.45, and lower than Atlanta’s $3.50. Car insurance costs $160 per month, compared to the US average of $183 and $170 in Raleigh. Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line light rail starts at $2.20 per ride, providing reliable transit within the city. However, public transportation options are limited outside the metro core.
- Healthcare in Charlotte is 33.99% higher than the national average. A basic doctor’s visit costs $125—which is $20 cheaper than in Nashville and $15 less than in Atlanta. Dental cleanings average $110, which is more affordable than similar services in Austin or Denver. With top hospitals like Atrium Health and Novant Health, Charlotte residents get quality care at lower prices than other mid-sized metros.
- Miscellaneous expenses are 3.2% higher the national average. From personal care (haircuts: $39.00, gym memberships: $75) to entertainment (movie tickets: $13.13), Charlotte offers city living without big-city markups. The lower costs reflect a strong balance between demand and affordability—even in popular neighborhoods like NoDa and Plaza Midwood, where amenities are abundant but still accessible.
Moving to Charlotte? Housing is more affordable than many big cities, but prices are climbing—so plan your budget wisely while you enjoy the Southern charm and booming job market. 👉 Next Step: Compare single-family homes in Charlotte, North Carolina
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dream home in Charlotte, NC
Browse Homes For Sale in Charlotte, NCIs Living in Charlotte, NC Expensive?
The cost of living in Charlotte, North Carolina, is more affordable than in many major metros, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy on the wallet. The cost of living in Charlotte, NC, is 1.1% higher than the national average, with housing costs 21% below, giving residents a break on rent and mortgages. However, groceries are 1% higher and miscellaneous goods and services are 10% above average—making day-to-day living more expensive than it seems at first glance.
In Charlotte, $700K can get you a spacious four-bedroom home in Ballantyne or SouthPark—with a driveway and maybe even a screened porch. That same amount might only fetch a modest townhouse in pricier cities like Denver or San Diego.
In Charlotte, $700K can get you a spacious four-bedroom home in Ballantyne or SouthPark—with a driveway and maybe even a screened porch. That same amount might only fetch a modest townhouse in pricier cities like Denver or San Diego.
Housing in Charlotte
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Charlotte's housing prices are easier on the wallet than metros like Atlanta, Austin, and Denver, with Charlotte’s median home prices roughly 3% higher the national average. The median price for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the city is around $432,894—well below what you'd find in Atlanta or Raleigh.
Utilities in Charlotte
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Food and Groceries in Charlotte
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Transportation in Charlotte
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Healthcare in Charlotte
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Miscellaneous Costs in Charlotte
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What Salary Do You Need to Live in Charlotte, NC?
The average salary in Charlotte, NC, is 1.1% higher, which covers the basics for many residents. However, your income needs will depend on your lifestyle, household size, and spending habits.
- Homeowners Spend — $91,500 per year: Owning a home in Charlotte means mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance, and utilities. Add weekend BBQs, a lawnmower, and the occasional roof repair, and your yearly spend lands around $91,500.
- Renters Spend — $68,200 per year: Renting in South End or NoDa? That $68,200 covers rent, internet, utilities, and your daily oat milk latte habit. It’s doable—but it adds up fast if your place comes with skyline views.
- Families with Kids Spend — $134,700 per year: From daycare to soccer cleats, raising kids in Charlotte means budgeting for life in areas like Ballantyne or Myers Park. Toss in healthcare, groceries, and summer camps, and $134,700 goes fast.
Is Charlotte, NC Too Expensive? Find Homes in Charlotte, NC as Per Your Budget
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What is a Cost of Living Calculator?
A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Charlotte cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.
About Cost of Living Data
The data used to determine Charlotte's cost of living is sourced from the
Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).
Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and
the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its
data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in
cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s
data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure
consistency and quality.
For more information, visit
www.coli.org.
Data published as of Oct 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is gas in Charlotte?
Gas prices in Charlotte, NC, hover around $2.93 per gallon, slightly under the national average of $3.45. Expect minor price hikes during NASCAR events, long weekends, or heavy I-77 congestion. If you’re commuting from the suburbs, be ready to fill up a little more
Is Charlotte a good place to live?
Yes, Charlotte is a great place to live, especially for those seeking careers in banking, tech, and healthcare. Popular recreation includes Panther games, brewery hopping in South End, and hiking at Crowders Mountain. The city is home to top hospitals like Atrium Health and Novant Health, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers non-stop flights across the country. Family-friendly neighborhoods like SouthPark and Ballantyne round out the appeal.
What is the average cost of living in Charlotte, NC?
The Charlotte cost of living is 1.1% higher than the national average, with housing being 21% cheaper. Utility and grocery costs are roughly in line with national figures. South End and Uptown are among the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, known for luxury apartments, trendy restaurants, and proximity to nightlife. In contrast, East Charlotte and University City offer more affordable housing, larger homes, and easy access to parks and schools—ideal for families and budget-conscious renters.
What is the average rent in Charlotte, NC?
A one-bedroom home in Charlotte rents for $1,300 to $1,850 per month. Prices are higher in Uptown, South End, and Dilworth, where bars, restaurants, and shops are all within walking distance. Many newer buildings offer amenities like gyms, dog parks, and coworking spaces, which also contribute to higher rental prices.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte?
A two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte costs $1,800 to $2,400 per month. SouthPark and Myers Park tend to be more expensive due to their upscale reputation, tree-lined streets, and proximity to top schools. Units with updated interiors, balconies, or amenities like fitness centers and pools can push prices even higher.
What is the average price of utilities in Charlotte?
Utilities in Charlotte generally range from $130 to $200 per month, depending on your home size and cooling habits. This includes electricity, water, trash, and sewer. Winters are mild, so heating isn’t a major drain—but those humid summers can drive up your electricity bills.
How much is childcare in North Carolina?
If you're moving to North Carolina, expect childcare for toddlers to cost $850 to $1,200 per month. Larger daycare centers in South End or Ballantyne tend to charge more, while smaller in-home options in areas like West Sugar Creek or Hidden Valley are more affordable.
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Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.
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