Boston vs Charlotte
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
Compare a different city:
VS
QUICK ANSWER
Charlotte is 40% cheaper than Boston overall.Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs Charlotte at 97 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Boston costs 60% more.

Built by Pierre — MBA, Business Strategist & AI Consultant, Founder of DayblipAbout the author →
Boston
MA
162
COLI index
VS
Charlotte
NC
97
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Boston | Charlotte | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 162 | 97 | -40% |
| Housing | 280 | 112 | -60% |
| Groceries | 112 | 103 | -8% |
| Transport | 113 | 106 | -6% |
| Healthcare | 112 | 102 | -9% |
| Utilities | 140 | 100 | -29% |
Median 1BR Rent
Boston
$2,900/mo
Charlotte
$1,600/mo
Median Home Price
Boston
$720,000
Charlotte
$370,000
Median Household Income
Boston
$81,744
Charlotte
$65,359
Share Your Result
Surprised by this number? Share it with friends and family
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Related Tools
Last updated: June 2026
Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.