Median rent is 4% lower in Charlotte ($1,504/mo vs $1,562/mo). Buying is cheaper in Charlotte, where the median home runs $351,500 versus $420,700. Households earn more in Colorado Springs ($83,198 vs $78,438 a year). Taken together, Charlotte is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 96.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Colorado Springs, CO.
City A
Charlotte, NC
City B
Colorado Springs, CO
How much would you need to earn in Colorado Springs, CO to maintain your standard of living from Charlotte, NC?
Equivalent salary in Colorado Springs, CO
$75,040
You'd need $40 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Charlotte
North Carolina
Colorado Springs
Colorado
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,504/mo in Charlotte and $1,562/mo in Colorado Springs. Median home values are within 16% of each other: $351,500 in Charlotte and $420,700 in Colorado Springs.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 4.40% in Colorado, so Colorado Springs is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 2.90% in Colorado; Colorado Springs has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Charlotte
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Colorado Springs
Income tax: 4.40%
Sales tax: 2.90%
Colorado Springs has cleaner air on average: 34.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($83,198/yr).
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 34.0).
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.40%).
Is Charlotte cheaper than Colorado Springs?
Charlotte is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 96.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Charlotte.
How much is rent in Charlotte vs Colorado Springs?
Median rent is $1,504/mo in Charlotte, NC and $1,562/mo in Colorado Springs, CO. Charlotte, NC has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Charlotte or Colorado Springs?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte, NC and $83,198 in Colorado Springs, CO. Colorado Springs, CO has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Colorado Springs, CO has better air quality on average: 34.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Charlotte or Colorado Springs?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and Colorado's is 4.40%. Colorado Springs, CO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Colorado Springs to match my Charlotte income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Charlotte, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,053 in Colorado Springs, CO (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology