San Diego vs Charlotte
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Charlotte is 40% cheaper than San Diego overall.San Diego has a cost of living index of 163 vs Charlotte at 97 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — San Diego costs 62% more.

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San Diego
CA
163
COLI index
VS
Charlotte
NC
97
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | San Diego | Charlotte | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 163 | 97 | -40% |
| Housing | 295 | 112 | -62% |
| Groceries | 113 | 103 | -9% |
| Transport | 114 | 106 | -7% |
| Healthcare | 106 | 102 | -4% |
| Utilities | 121 | 100 | -17% |
Median 1BR Rent
San Diego
$2,350/mo
Charlotte
$1,600/mo
Median Home Price
San Diego
$870,000
Charlotte
$370,000
Median Household Income
San Diego
$83,454
Charlotte
$65,359
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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.