Charlotte vs Philadelphia
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Charlotte, NC and Philadelphia, PA.
Charlotte, NC
COL Index
98
Monthly Budget
$4,900
State Tax
4.0%
Population
1.0M
Philadelphia, PA
COL Index
102
Monthly Budget
$5,100
State Tax
3.1%
Population
1.6M
Charlotte is 4% less expensive than Philadelphia
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Charlotte | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,601 | $1,700 | -$99 |
| Groceries | $640 | $660 | -$20 |
| Transport | $786 | $814 | -$28 |
| Healthcare | $394 | $406 | -$12 |
| Utilities | $294 | $306 | -$12 |
| Other | $1,181 | $1,219 | -$38 |
| Total | $4,900 | $5,100 | -$200 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Charlotte (NC) | Philadelphia (PA) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $3,990 | $3,070 | +$920 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $24,810 | $23,890 | +$920 |
| Take-Home Pay | $75,190 | $76,110 | -$920 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Charlotte salary is worth in Philadelphia (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Charlotte Salary | Equivalent in Philadelphia | Philadelphia Salary | Equivalent in Charlotte |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,041 | $50,000 | $48,039 |
| $75,000 | $78,061 | $75,000 | $72,059 |
| $100,000 | $104,082 | $100,000 | $96,078 |
| $150,000 | $156,122 | $150,000 | $144,118 |