Median rent is 32% lower in Charlotte ($1,504/mo vs $2,226/mo). Buying is cheaper in Charlotte, where the median home runs $351,500 versus $755,900. Households earn more in Concord ($109,195 vs $78,438 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.8).
City A
Charlotte, NC
City B
Concord, CA
How much would you need to earn in Concord, CA to maintain your standard of living from Charlotte, NC?
Equivalent salary in Concord, CA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Concord
California
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Charlotte — median rent of $1,504/mo versus $2,226/mo in Concord, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Concord: the median home is $755,900 versus $351,500 in Charlotte — 53% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 13.30% in California, so Charlotte is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 7.25% in California; Charlotte has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Charlotte
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Concord
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Charlotte (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Concord.
Pick Concord if you prioritize higher median household income ($109,195/yr).
Pick Charlotte if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,504/mo median).
Pick Charlotte if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Charlotte cheaper than Concord?
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 Concord?
Median rent is $1,504/mo in Charlotte, NC and $2,226/mo in Concord, CA. Charlotte, NC has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Charlotte or Concord?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte, NC and $109,195 in Concord, CA. Concord, CA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Charlotte or Concord?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and California's is 13.30%. Charlotte, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Concord to match my Charlotte income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Charlotte, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Concord, CA (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