Austin vs Charlotte
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Austin, TX and Charlotte, NC.
Austin, TX
COL Index
112
Monthly Budget
$5,600
State Tax
None
Population
1.0M
Charlotte, NC
COL Index
98
Monthly Budget
$4,900
State Tax
4.0%
Population
1.0M
Austin is 14% more expensive than Charlotte
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Austin | Charlotte | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,947 | $1,601 | +$346 |
| Groceries | $712 | $640 | +$72 |
| Transport | $886 | $786 | +$100 |
| Healthcare | $434 | $394 | +$40 |
| Utilities | $336 | $294 | +$42 |
| Other | $1,315 | $1,181 | +$134 |
| Total | $5,600 | $4,900 | +$700 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Austin (TX) | Charlotte (NC) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $0 | $3,990 | -$3,990 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $20,820 | $24,810 | -$3,990 |
| Take-Home Pay | $79,180 | $75,190 | +$3,990 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Austin salary is worth in Charlotte (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Austin Salary | Equivalent in Charlotte | Charlotte Salary | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,750 | $50,000 | $57,143 |
| $75,000 | $65,625 | $75,000 | $85,714 |
| $100,000 | $87,500 | $100,000 | $114,286 |
| $150,000 | $131,250 | $150,000 | $171,429 |