Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Charlotte is 4% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,504/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 6%
$78,438/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 14%
$351,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 3%
$1,487/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 2%
886,283
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $10,894/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Worcester — common questions

Is Charlotte or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Worcester?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Worcester?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $10,894/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charlotte details → View Worcester details →

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