Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Charlotte is 83% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,504/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 34%
$78,438/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 42%
$351,500 ↑ 181%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 64%
$1,487/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 34%
886,283
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $32,593/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Charlotte or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Syracuse?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Syracuse?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $32,593/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charlotte details → View Syracuse details →

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