Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Charlotte is 23% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,504/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 11%
$78,438/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 14%
$351,500 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 33%
$1,487/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 9%
886,283
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $10,680/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charlotte slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Hampton — common questions

Is Charlotte or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Hampton?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Hampton?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $10,680/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charlotte details → View Hampton details →

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