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Charlotte vs Memphis

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Memphis is 14% cheaper than Charlotte overall.Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97 vs Memphis at 83 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Charlotte costs 33% more.

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Charlotte
NC
97
COLI index
VS
Memphis
TN
83
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryCharlotteMemphisDifference
Overall COLI9783-14%
Housing11275-33%
Groceries103100-3%
Transport106100-6%
Healthcare102100-2%
Utilities100105+5%

Median 1BR Rent

Charlotte
$1,600/mo
Memphis
$1,050/mo

Median Home Price

Charlotte
$370,000
Memphis
$175,000

Median Household Income

Charlotte
$65,359
Memphis
$42,982

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Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis is cheaper to live in overall. Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97 while Memphis has an index of 83, where 100 represents the US national average. Memphis is 14% cheaper than Charlotte overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Charlotte is $1,600 per month compared to $1,050 in Memphis. The median home price in Charlotte is $370,000 versus $175,000 in Memphis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Charlotte has a cost of living index of 97 and Memphis has an index of 83, 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 0.86. For example a $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to approximately $64,175 in Memphis.

Charlotte has a median household income of $65,359 per year versus $42,982 in Memphis. 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 Memphis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Memphis is 14% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. 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.