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Philadelphia vs Charlotte

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Charlotte is 14% cheaper than Philadelphia overall.Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 113 vs Charlotte at 97 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Philadelphia costs 23% more.

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Philadelphia
PA
113
COLI index
VS
Charlotte
NC
97
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryPhiladelphiaCharlotteDifference
Overall COLI11397-14%
Housing145112-23%
Groceries106103-3%
Transport110106-4%
Healthcare105102-3%
Utilities120100-17%

Median 1BR Rent

Philadelphia
$1,700/mo
Charlotte
$1,600/mo

Median Home Price

Philadelphia
$240,000
Charlotte
$370,000

Median Household Income

Philadelphia
$49,127
Charlotte
$65,359

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Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte is cheaper to live in overall. Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 113 while Charlotte has an index of 97, where 100 represents the US national average. Charlotte is 14% cheaper than Philadelphia overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia is $1,700 per month compared to $1,600 in Charlotte. The median home price in Philadelphia is $240,000 versus $370,000 in Charlotte. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 113 and Charlotte has an index of 97, 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 Philadelphia, multiply by 0.86. For example a $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to approximately $64,381 in Charlotte.

Philadelphia has a median household income of $49,127 per year versus $65,359 in Charlotte. 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 Philadelphia to Charlotte is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Charlotte 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.