Charlotte vs Houston
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Charlotte, NC and Houston, TX.
Charlotte, NC
COL Index
98
Monthly Budget
$4,900
State Tax
4.0%
Population
1.0M
Houston, TX
COL Index
96
Monthly Budget
$4,800
State Tax
None
Population
2.4M
Charlotte is 2% more expensive than Houston
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Charlotte | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,601 | $1,551 | +$50 |
| Groceries | $640 | $629 | +$11 |
| Transport | $786 | $771 | +$15 |
| Healthcare | $394 | $389 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $294 | $288 | +$6 |
| Other | $1,181 | $1,162 | +$19 |
| Total | $4,900 | $4,800 | +$100 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Charlotte (NC) | Houston (TX) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $3,990 | $0 | +$3,990 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $24,810 | $20,820 | +$3,990 |
| Take-Home Pay | $75,190 | $79,180 | -$3,990 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Charlotte salary is worth in Houston (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Charlotte Salary | Equivalent in Houston | Houston Salary | Equivalent in Charlotte |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,980 | $50,000 | $51,042 |
| $75,000 | $73,469 | $75,000 | $76,563 |
| $100,000 | $97,959 | $100,000 | $102,083 |
| $150,000 | $146,939 | $150,000 | $153,125 |