Washington vs Charlotte: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Washington's typical home is worth $705,000, 125% higher than the typical home in Charlotte at $312,800.
On median household income, Washington posts $101,722 while Charlotte posts $74,070.
Typical rent runs $1,817 in Washington and $1,399 in Charlotte.
FEMA's National Risk Index puts both cities at "Relatively High" for overall natural-hazard risk.
| Metric | Washington, DC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 670,587 | 875,045 |
| Median home value | $705,000 | $312,800 |
| Median household income | $101,722 | $74,070 |
| Median gross rent | $1,817 | $1,399 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
On housing costs, Charlotte, NC looks more affordable than Washington, DC — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.