Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs College Station, TX (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Charlotte is 19% more expensive than College Station.

$1,504/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 22%
$78,438/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 34%
$351,500 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 7%
$1,487/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 16%
886,283
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $26,662/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs College Station — common questions

Is Charlotte or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and College Station?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or College Station?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $26,662/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charlotte details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charlotte and College Station

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