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