Charlotte vs Phoenix
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Charlotte, NC and Phoenix, AZ.
Charlotte, NC
COL Index
98
Monthly Budget
$4,900
State Tax
4.0%
Population
1.0M
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.7M
Charlotte is 5% less expensive than Phoenix
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Charlotte | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,601 | $1,724 | -$123 |
| Groceries | $640 | $666 | -$26 |
| Transport | $786 | $822 | -$36 |
| Healthcare | $394 | $408 | -$14 |
| Utilities | $294 | $309 | -$15 |
| Other | $1,181 | $1,229 | -$48 |
| Total | $4,900 | $5,150 | -$250 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Charlotte (NC) | Phoenix (AZ) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $3,990 | $2,500 | +$1,490 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $24,810 | $23,320 | +$1,490 |
| Take-Home Pay | $75,190 | $76,680 | -$1,490 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Charlotte salary is worth in Phoenix (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Charlotte Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix | Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in Charlotte |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,551 | $50,000 | $47,573 |
| $75,000 | $78,827 | $75,000 | $71,359 |
| $100,000 | $105,102 | $100,000 | $95,146 |
| $150,000 | $157,653 | $150,000 | $142,718 |