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Charlotte vs Houston

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Houston is 2% cheaper than Charlotte overall.Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97 vs Houston at 95 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Houston costs 12% less.

Pierre
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Charlotte
NC
97
COLI index
VS
Houston
TX
95
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryCharlotteHoustonDifference
Overall COLI9795-2%
Housing112105-6%
Groceries103103Same
Transport106104-2%
Healthcare102101-1%
Utilities100112+12%

Median 1BR Rent

Charlotte
$1,600/mo
Houston
$1,350/mo

Median Home Price

Charlotte
$370,000
Houston
$265,000

Median Household Income

Charlotte
$65,359
Houston
$56,019

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Frequently Asked Questions

Houston is cheaper to live in overall. Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97 while Houston has an index of 95, where 100 represents the US national average. Houston is 2% cheaper than Charlotte overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Charlotte is $1,600 per month compared to $1,350 in Houston. The median home price in Charlotte is $370,000 versus $265,000 in Houston. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97 and Houston has an index of 95, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Charlotte, multiply by 0.98. For example a $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to approximately $73,454 in Houston.

Charlotte has a median household income of $65,359 per year versus $56,019 in Houston. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Charlotte to Houston is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Houston is 2% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in utilities. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

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.