Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC [2025]

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant city that blends modern living that's packed with Southern charm. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Charlotte offers a dynamic mix of culture, entertainment, and business opportunities, making it an attractive place for both young professionals and families.

Living in Charlotte means being at the heart of the action with quick, easy access to some of the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in the Southeast. Whether you're catching a game at the Bank of America Stadium, exploring the local craft brewery scene, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon at Freedom Park, there's always something to do in this bustling city.

Whether you're moving to Charlotte for its growing job market, its welcoming atmosphere, or its blend of city and outdoor living, it's important to understand the costs of living here. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Charlotte to give you a better idea of what to expect when it comes to housing, utilities, and daily expenses.

Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC

What Is the Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC?

If you're looking for an affordable major city, renters should know the cost of living in Charlotte is 2% lower than the average U.S. city. Our research found that residents spend, on average, around $4,438 a month to live there.

When compared to a similar-sized city like Nashville that's 4.7% higher than the U.S. average cost of living, Charlotte offers a reasonable cost of living where a modest income can stretch pretty far. According to Best Places, the cost of living in Charlotte is 2.5% higher than the U.S. average. The lower cost of living translates directly into rent prices, as we will see below. The city's strong job market also makes Charlotte a desirable place to live.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Charlotte?

The cost of living in Charlotte is still reasonable, but on the rise. One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Charlotte is Eastover, where rents start at $2,200 a month. Of course, you'll spend more money on a high-rise apartment with all of the amenities, including a swimming pool, an on-site fitness center, a rooftop terrace, and a recently renovated kitchen.

Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Charlotte?

If you want to live in Charlotte, but save some money, you can look to less expensive areas. One of the cheapest neighborhoods in Charlotte is Lowell, NC, where rents start at $1,250. It's important to consider the safety of any cheap neighborhood in a metro area before you sign a lease. Some areas will be safer than others, but it's vital to ensure the neighborhood you move into is secure.

How Much Is Rent in Charlotte?

You can judge the cost of living by how much rents cost in the city. Overall median rent in the city as of January, 2025, is $1,400 a month after falling 0.7% last month. Prices are now down 3.1% year-over-year. A one-bedroom in Charlotte will typically cost you $1,273. A two-bedroom will cost around $1,388.

Desirable areas central to all of the action like Uptown are likely to be the most expensive, with more apartment applicants vying for a good deal. Come prepared with all rental documents, ID, and paperwork to score the best deal on a Charlotte apartment.

Charlotte’s rent growth over the past year is similar to the state average (-2.6%) but has fallen below the national average (-0.6%).

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Charlotte?

The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is around $1,273 per month. These rental prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, especially in popular areas that offer the latest amenities. Our research into local rental trends shows that rents in Charlotte have been steadily decreasing from month to month.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Charlotte?

Sharing a two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte with a roommate will run a median price of $1,388 per month. Rental prices for two-bedroom units have also dropped, making it a more budget-friendly option for renters. Plus, splitting expenses like utilities will help reduce your overall living costs.

How Much Is Housing in Charlotte?

If you're looking to buy a home in Charlotte, you need an idea of real estate trends in the area. Currently, renting is the better option. According to Best Places, the median home price in Charlotte is $381,800, which is higher than the U.S. average of $338,100 and the state average of $289,000.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Charlotte?

It's important to make sure you have enough money to thrive in your new Charlotte apartment by following the 30% rule. You should aim to spend 30% or less of your gross monthly income on rent. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,273, you should earn around $50,920 per year, $4,243.33 every month, or $24.48 per hour.

We also recommend considering the living wage of Charlotte. According to MIT's data, the living wage of Charlotte is currently $23.26, which is a little lower than what we recommend for the 30% rule. The living wage is what you need to cover your basic necessities, including housing, food, and transportation. It doesn't account for dining out, entertainment, travel, or student loan repayments.

Luckily, if you work in Charlotte, you're likely to make a more than the minimum you need to rent an apartment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, the median household income in Charlotte is $78,438, $6,536.50 a month, or $37.50 per hour, which is almost the same as the U.S. household income of $78,538.

How Much Is Transportation in Charlotte?

Most Charlotte locals drive cars to get around town. However, public transportation and rideshare options are available to get around the city. If you're a single adult with no children and driving your own car, you'll spend about $10,503 for transportation in Charlotte each year. If you live in a household with two adults and two children, you'll pay an additional $17,618 for transportation.

If you really want to go car-free, you could choose a walkable neighborhood. Then, leverage the buses, train, and light rail around Charlotte.

Charlotte's public transportation is run by CATS, the Charlotte Area Transit System. You can hop on a bus, train, or LYNX light rail system to get around the metro area. Fares on CATS runs $88 for an unlimited adult monthly pass. The express bus option bumps up your fare up to $121 a month for unlimited rides.

Bike lovers are also welcome around Charlotte. Charlotte B-Cycle offers monthly memberships of $50 per month for unlimited, one-hour rides. After an hour, members pay $1 per half-hour.

Uber and Lyft can help make forgoing car ownership a reality. Taxis are also available around Charlotte, although they’ll be the priciest options.

How Much Are Food Costs in Charlotte?

If you moved to Charlotte to sample the culinary scene, expect to spend at least $18 per meal at an inexpensive restaurant without appetizers, alcohol, and dessert. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant will run an average of $90.

Charlotte's restaurant scene has quietly earned a reputation for itself. Its chefs frequently make the Short List of Beard award nominees in the who's who of talent. Of course, you can also eat on the cheap and cook at home instead.

According to the MIT living wage estimates, a single adult that cooks their meals (including snacks) at home will spend around $4,388 per year on food. For two working adults and two kids, your costs go up to $12,896 a year.

How Much Is Healthcare in Charlotte?

Healthcare is another significant expense to consider when factoring in the cost of living in Charlotte. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality pulled data with MIT to estimate health expenditure. A single full-time working adult in Charlotte costs up to $3,178 per year. For a family of two adults and a child, that'll increase up to $10,265 per year.

How Much Are Utilities in Charlotte?

Charlotte's essential utility bill, which includes fuel, water, gas, and electricity, is a bit higher than the national average. For a 915 square foot apartment, you'll pay on average $167.26 a year for basic utilities (compared to the national average of $207.36).

If you include a basic cell phone plan and internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL), that'll increase the total monthly cost of utilities by around $73.72 on average, totaling $293.09 a month.

Charlotte's pleasant weather is another perk of living in the Queen City. However, there are some days when temperatures will drop below freezing. Summers also aren't as blistering hot compared to the majority of the South. Winter months typically see a high of mid-50s and a low of mid-30s. During summer, you'll experience temps in the 90s or high 60s.

How Much Is Child Care in Charlotte?

Like any other city, childcare is a significant expense in Charlotte. If you have one child, you'll spend an average of $11,965 for the annual cost of one child at daycare. If you have two children, you should expect to spend an average of $20,808 a year.

Keep in mind your daycare costs will vary depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in. Trendy, downtown areas with a daycare shortage will have more expensive daycare costs. If you live in the suburbs with more options, you'll probably trim down your costs. You can also get creative and work from home or trade hours with another parent or your partner to save on daycare altogether.

How Much Is Fitness and Entertainment in Charlotte?

Charlotte's greenway trails and pleasant weather make getting outdoors and working out easy. Skiing and snow sports in the mountains are only 25 miles away.

A fitness club will cost around $54.89 a month. Community gyms often prove cheaper, and there are apartment complexes with on-site fitness centers included in your rent.

You'll need to factor in your nightlife budget when living in Charlotte, as going out on the town every night quickly adds up. That’s especially the case if you add cover charges or drink minimums.

To give you an idea of what to expect, a new release at the cinema runs $15, not including snacks and add-ons. By comparison, the cost of a movie ticket in Atlanta is $16.24.

Other Expenses to Consider in Charlotte

Beyond rent, you need to factor in taxes. Fortunately, you'll find Charlotte's taxes are pretty reasonable. The state of North Carolina has a flat 4.50% individual income tax rate and a flat 4.50% individual income tax rate.

North Carolina also has a few tax-exempt purchases, like prescription medications and certain groceries. Property taxes are low and sales taxes are average. In addition, there's no tax on Social Security retirement benefits.

The expenses you incur when moving to Charlotte will also make an impact on your budget. Do you need to move from out of state to Charlotte? You'll need a cross-country moving company with possible packing services and storage as you get settled. Or you can look for a furnished apartment in Charlotte at a premium.

Getting all of your furniture and decor set up in your apartment also gets costly. There are ways to decorate on a budget.

Charlotte's Job Market

Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoys a thriving job market with robust salaries. College grads and those growing their careers can pursue opportunities spanning across finance, healthcare, technology, and education. Some of the city's major employers include the Bank of America, Atrium Health, and Wells Fargo. Newcomers looking to pursue more creative fields can also find opportunities in the arts and tourism.

Looking for an Apartment in Charlotte?

Charlotte beckons professionals, students, and sunshine seekers to its city. If Charlotte doesn't seem like the right North Carolina city for you, read about other best places to live in NC! If Charlotte seems too pricey, learn about the cheapest places to live in NC.

Begin your journey to the South by finding your dream neighborhood with Apartment List today, or simply start browsing Charlotte apartments.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Charlotte 2025

What Is the cheapest rent in Charlotte?

The cheapest rent in Charlotte is a one-bedroom apartment. It has a median rent of $1,273 a month.

How expensive is an apartment in Charlotte, NC?

Charlotte has plenty of pricey neighborhoods, but you can find cheaper areas to live, like Lowell where rents start at $1,250. However, the current overall median rent in Charlotte is $1,400. The median rent for one-bedroom apartment is $1,273 and two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte runs $1,388 a month.

How expensive is it to live in Charlotte, NC?

How expensive it is to live in Charlotte, NC will depend on where you live. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte, NC is $1,273 a month. A two-bedroom apartment runs $1,388 a month. You can expect to pay at least $4,388 on food if you're a single adult living in Charlotte You'll spend $10,503 a year on transportation and $3,178 on healthcare as a single adult every year in Charlotte.

What is the population of Charlotte?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Charlotte is 911,311. It is the second-most populated city in the Southeast region of the country. The population of the entire state of North Carolina is 11,046,024.

What is a good salary in Charlotte, NC?

As a rule of thumb, we recommend only spending 30% or less of your take-home pay on rent. If you want to rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,273, you should bring home at least $50,920 a year, $4,243.33 a month, or $24.48 an hour.

MIT's living wage data suggests that you should earn at least $23.26 an hour to live above the poverty line. This figure should cover your basic expenses in Charlotte to cover housing, food, transportation and other necessities. It does not consider student debt repayments, dining out, travel, and other expenses.

Finally, you could look at the U.S. Census Bureau's data that shows the median household income in Charlotte, NC is currently $78,438.