Charlotte Work & Relocation
Charlotte salary comparison: how does it stack up?
Charlotte salaries are competitive with other major cities, but the cost of living is significantly lower. Here is the breakdown.
Charlotte vs New York City
Charlotte salaries are lower than NYC, but the cost of living difference is massive. A Charlotte salary goes much further.
- Software engineer: Charlotte $120K vs NYC $160K (but NYC rent is 2.5x)
- Finance analyst: Charlotte $85K vs NYC $110K (but NYC rent is 2.5x)
- Nurse: Charlotte $75K vs NYC $95K (but NYC rent is 2.5x)
- Charlotte rent 1BR: $1,500 avg vs NYC: $3,500 avg
- Result: Charlotte buying power is significantly higher
Charlotte vs Atlanta
Charlotte and Atlanta are similar markets, but Charlotte is slightly more affordable with less traffic.
- Software engineer: Charlotte $120K vs Atlanta $125K (similar)
- Finance: Charlotte $90K vs Atlanta $85K (Charlotte wins)
- Rent: Charlotte $1,500 vs Atlanta $1,600 (similar)
- Traffic: Charlotte significantly better than Atlanta
- Result: roughly comparable, Charlotte has edge in finance
Charlotte vs Austin
Austin has higher tech salaries but also much higher housing costs. Charlotte is more affordable overall.
- Software engineer: Charlotte $120K vs Austin $140K
- Rent 1BR: Charlotte $1,500 vs Austin $2,000+
- Home price: Charlotte $380K vs Austin $550K median
- Result: Charlotte more affordable, Austin higher salary
Charlotte vs Raleigh
Charlotte and Raleigh are both NC cities but Charlotte has more finance and healthcare jobs while Raleigh has more tech and government.
- Software engineer: Charlotte $120K vs Raleigh $125K
- Finance: Charlotte $90K vs Raleigh $75K (Charlotte wins)
- Healthcare: roughly equal
- Rent: Charlotte $1,500 vs Raleigh $1,400 (similar)
- Result: Charlotte better for finance, Raleigh better for tech/government
Ready to find your Charlotte neighborhood?
Settle CLT has neighborhood guides, a quiz, and a home-finding form for people relocating to Charlotte for work.