Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Charlotte, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Charlotte

North Carolina
108

Philadelphia is 21% cheaper than Charlotte.

$1,323/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,504/mo ↑ 14%
$60,698/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$78,438/yr ↑ 29%
$232,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$351,500 ↑ 51%
$1,233/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 21%
1,582,432
Population
886,283

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Charlotte, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $17,740/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $351,500 in Charlotte.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Charlotte — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Charlotte cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Charlotte?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Charlotte it's $1,504/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Charlotte?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $78,438 in Charlotte. Median household income is $17,740/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Charlotte?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,504/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Charlotte details →

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