Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Charlotte is 7% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $70,093 in Charlotte.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Charlotte sits at 99 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $330,000 in Charlotte, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,500 in Charlotte.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Charlotte scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Charlotte (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $62,308 in Charlotte. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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