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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Charlotte is 44% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,504/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 24%
$78,438/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 26%
$351,500 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 44%
$1,487/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 21%
886,283
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $20,099/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Killeen — common questions

Is Charlotte or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Killeen?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Killeen?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $20,099/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charlotte details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

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