Charlotte vs Atlanta: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison

On median home value, Charlotte comes in at $312,800 — 21% lower than Atlanta, where the median is $395,600.

Typical households bring in $74,070 a year in Charlotte, versus $77,655 in Atlanta.

Monthly rent typically costs $1,399 in Charlotte and $1,512 in Atlanta.

FEMA rates both cities' overall hazard risk as "Relatively High."

Metric	Charlotte, NC	Atlanta, GA
Population	875,045	494,838
Median home value	$312,800	$395,600
Median household income	$74,070	$77,655
Median gross rent	$1,399	$1,512
Climate risk (FEMA)	Relatively High	Relatively High

Charlotte, NC comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Atlanta, GA, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.

Moving between Charlotte and Atlanta

Charlotte and Atlanta are 228 miles apart in a straight line.

What changes when you move	Charlotte → Atlanta	Atlanta → Charlotte
Median rent	+$113/mo (+8%)	−$113/mo (−7%)
Median home value	+$82,800 (+26%)	−$82,800 (−21%)
Median household income	+$3,585 (+5%)	−$3,585 (−5%)

Estimated moving cost (either direction)

Home size	Estimated cost
Studio / 1-bedroom	$663 – $1,022
2-3 bedroom	$1,905 – $2,909
4+ bedroom house	$3,462 – $5,272

Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Charlotte, NC Atlanta, GA

262 miles estimated driving distance · 4.4 hours of highway driving

DIY Truck Rental

$389 – $497

Includes an estimated $92 in fuel (26 gal at ~10 mpg) over 1 driving day.

Professional Movers

$1,964 – $3,307

Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.

Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index

Data last updated July 2026.