Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC [2025]

As of August 2025, the cost of living in Charlotte, NC is 2.5% higher than the U.S. average.

Charlotte, NC blends modern city life with a side of Southern charm. From career moves to cultural finds, it’s a top pick for professionals, families, and anyone craving a fresh start. It’s a more budget-friendly pick than a city like Nashville (which is 4.7% higher than the U.S. average). And if you know how to budget smart, your paycheck can go pretty far in the Queen City.

Whether you're moving to Charlotte for its growing job market, its welcoming atmosphere, or its blend of city and outdoor living, it's important to get the full picture of what the cost of living looks like before setting down roots.

Here’s a breakdown of what it really costs to live in Charlotte—from rent and groceries to utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC

• What Is the Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC?
• What is the Average Rent in Charlotte, NC?
• How Much Is Housing in Charlotte?
• What Salary Do I Need to Live in Charlotte?
• How Much Is Transportation in Charlotte?
• How Much Are Groceries in Charlotte?
• How Much Is Child Care in Charlotte?
• How Much Is Healthcare in Charlotte?
• How Much Are Utilities in Charlotte?
• How Much Is Fitness and Entertainment in Charlotte?
• Charlotte's Job Market
• Looking for an Apartment in Charlotte?

What Is the Cost of Living in Charlotte, NC

As of August 2025, the cost of living in Charlotte is 3% above the average U.S. city. Our research found that a single person renting in Charlotte needs to earn $4,367 per month to live comfortably. That budget covers rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and more, which we break down below.

*Cost of Living Index (U.S. average = 100) data sourced from BestPlaces.

Keep in mind: these numbers are just citywide averages. What you’ll actually spend will depend on your neighborhood and lifestyle.

Where is the Cost of Living Highest in Charlotte, NC?

One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Charlotte is Brookhill, with a neighborhood average rent of $2,613 for a one-bedroom apartment. That’s 40.08% above the citywide average of $1,864 for the same unit type. If you’re seeking high-rise living with luxury amenities (think: rooftop terraces, pools, and renovated kitchens), it’ll cost extra.

Where is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Charlotte, NC?

Mineral Springs is one of Charlotte’s more budget-friendly neighborhoods, where the average rent is $1,215 for a one-bedroom apartment. But lower rent doesn't always mean better. Safety and commute times vary, so research carefully before signing a lease.

What Is the Average Rent in Charlotte, NC?

As of August 2025, the overall median rent in Charlotte, NC is $1,418, roughly the same as July. Prices are now down 2.2% year-over-year, seeing a similar rate of rent decline as the statewide average (-1.7%). For comparison, the median rent across the nation is $1,402 overall.

High-demand areas like Uptown typically come with steeper rents and more competition, so make sure your budget and your rental documents are in order.

How Much is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Charlotte, NC?

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $1,697 per month as of August 2025. Neighborhood and amenities play a big role in pricing, but our research into local rent trends shows that rents have remained steady month over month.

How Much is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Charlotte, NC?

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $2,189 per month as of August 2025. Renting with a roommate and splitting utilities can make this option more cost-effective than a one-bedroom.

How Much Is Housing in Charlotte, NC?

If you're planning to buy a home, Charlotte’s housing market remains relatively accessible. According to Best Places, the median home price in Charlotte is $381,800, which is higher than the U.S. average of $338,100 and the North Carolina average of $289,300.

Prefer flexibility? Renting may be the better option, with lower upfront costs and fewer maintenance headaches.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Charlotte, NC?

To make sure you have enough money to thrive in your new Charlotte apartment, we recommend following the 30% rule: where 30% or less of your gross monthly income goes toward rent. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,273, you should earn around $50,920 per year, $4,243.33 per month, or $24.48 per hour.

We also recommend considering the living wage of Charlotte. According to MIT's data, the living wage for a single adult with no kids in Charlotte is $25.21. The living wage covers the essentials: rent, food, transportation. Not included? Extras like dining out, travel, or student loans.

If you work in Charlotte, you're likely to make more than the minimum you need to rent an apartment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, the median household income in Charlotte is $80,581—not too far off from the U.S. household income of $77,719.

When you’re ready to start your Charlotte apartment search, use our rent calculator to find what fits your budget and your lifestyle.

How Much is Transportation in Charlotte, NC?

Most Charlotte locals drive cars to get around town. However, public transportation and rideshare options are available to get around the city. If you're a single adult with no children and driving your own car, you'll spend about $10,433 on transportation in Charlotte each year. If you live in a household with two adults and two children, expect to pay $17,500 per year.

Want to go car-free? Choose a walkable neighborhood and leverage Charlotte’s public transit options.

Charlotte's public transportation is run by CATS, the Charlotte Area Transit System. You can hop on a bus, train, or LYNX light rail system to get around the metro area. Fares on CATS runs $88 for an unlimited adult monthly pass. The express bus option bumps up your fare up to $121 a month for unlimited rides.

Uber, Lyft, and taxis are also available around Charlotte, but come at a higher cost.

How Much Are Groceries in Charlotte, NC?

According to the MIT living wage estimates, a single adult that cooks their meals (including snacks) at home will spend around $4,444 per year on food. For two working adults and two kids, your costs go up to $13,027 a year.

Want to experience the city’s buzzworthy food scene? A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant will run an average of $80. At an inexpensive restaurant without appetizers, alcohol, and dessert, expect to spend at least $18 per meal.

How Much Is Child Care in Charlotte, NC?

Like any other city, childcare is a significant expense in Charlotte. Expect to spend an average of $11,831 for the annual cost of one child at daycare. If you have two children, you should expect to spend an average of $20,681 a year.

Keep in mind your daycare costs will vary depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in. Trendy, downtown areas with a daycare shortage will have more expensive daycare costs. If you live in the suburbs with more options, you'll probably trim down your costs. You can also get creative and work from home or trade hours with another parent or your partner to save on daycare altogether.

How Much Is Healthcare in Charlotte, NC?

Healthcare is another significant expense to consider when factoring in the cost of living in Charlotte. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality pulled data with MIT to estimate health expenditure. A single full-time working adult in Charlotte costs up to $3,319 per year. For a family of two adults and a child, that'll increase up to $10,161 per year.

How Much Are Utilities in Charlotte, NC?

Charlotte's essential utility bill, which includes fuel, water, gas, and electricity, is a bit higher than the national average. For a 915 square foot apartment, you'll pay on average $125.61 a year for basic utilities (compared to the national average of $207.36).

If you include a basic cell phone plan and internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL), that'll increase the total monthly cost of utilities by around $127.84 on average, totaling $253.45 a month.

Charlotte, NC Fitness & Entertainment

Charlotte's greenway trails and pleasant weather make getting outdoors and working out easy. Skiing and snow sports in the mountains are only 25 miles away.

A fitness club will cost around $49.91 a month. Community gyms often prove cheaper, and there are apartment complexes with on-site fitness centers included in your rent.

You'll need to factor in your nightlife budget when living in Charlotte, as going out on the town every night quickly adds up. That’s especially the case if you add cover charges or drink minimums.

To give you an idea of what to expect, a movie theater ticket runs at $14.50, not including snacks and add-ons. By comparison, the cost of a movie ticket in Atlanta is $16.24.

How Much Are Taxes in Charlotte, NC?

North Carolina keeps things simple with a flat 4.50% individual income tax rate.

North Carolina also has a few tax-exempt purchases, like prescription medications and certain groceries. Property taxes are low and sales taxes are average. In addition, there's no tax on Social Security retirement benefits.

Charlotte’s Job Market

Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoys a thriving job market with robust salaries. College grads and those growing their careers can pursue opportunities spanning across finance, healthcare, technology, and education. Some of the city's major employers include the Bank of America, Atrium Health, and Wells Fargo. Newcomers looking to pursue more creative fields can also find opportunities in the arts and tourism.

Find Your Next Apartment in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte calling your name? Whether you’re a student, young professional, or ready for your next chapter, find the perfect Charlotte apartment for you with Apartment List’s personalized quiz.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Charlotte 2025

What is the cheapest rent in Charlotte?

While there may be cheaper options out there, one of the cheapest rent options in Charlotte is a one-bedroom apartment with a median rent of $1,289 a month.

How expensive is an apartment in Charlotte, NC?

While some areas like Uptown or Brookhill push the high end, you can still find affordable neighborhoods like Steele Creek, where the average rent is $1,255.

The current overall median rent in Charlotte is $1,418. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,289 and a two-bedroom apartment in Charlotte is $1,406 a month.

How expensive is it to live in Charlotte, NC?

It all depends on where you live. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Charlotte, NC is $1,289 a month. A two-bedroom apartment runs $1,406 a month. You can expect to pay at least $4,444 on food if you're a single adult living in Charlotte.

You'll spend $10,433 a year on transportation and $3,319 on healthcare as a single adult every year in Charlotte.

What is the population of Charlotte?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Charlotte is 911,311. It is the second-most populated city in the Southeast region of the country. The population of the entire state of North Carolina is 11.05 million.

What is a good salary in Charlotte, NC?

MIT's living wage data suggests that you should earn at least $25.21 an hour to live comfortably and afford the basic necessities: housing, food, transportation and more. It doesn’t consider student debt repayments, dining out, travel, and other expenses, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend only spending 30% or less of your take-home pay on rent. If you want to rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1,273, you should bring home at least $50,920 a year, $4,243.33 a month, or $24.48 an hour.