The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Charlotte | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 108 | 113 | +5 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $1,500 | $1,700 | +$200 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $1,950 | $2,200 | +$250 |
| Median household income | $61,340 | $63,456 | +$2,116 |
| Population | 885,708 | 467,665 | -418,043 |
What salary you'd need in Raleigh
To maintain your Charlotte purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Raleigh.
Charlotte vs Raleigh: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Raleigh's cost-of-living index of 113 runs roughly 4.6% higher than Charlotte's 108. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Charlotte averages $1,500/month, vs $1,700/month in Raleigh — a +$200 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to +$250/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $2,400 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Charlotte is $61,340, while Raleigh runs $63,456 (+$2,116 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Both cities are in the same state, so state income tax is identical. The cost difference is purely local — rent, transit, groceries, and lifestyle.