Charlotte vs Raleigh: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Charlotte's median home value is $312,800 — 10% lower than Raleigh's $347,000.
Median household income is $74,070 in Charlotte versus $78,631 in Raleigh.
Typical rent runs $1,399 in Charlotte and $1,371 in Raleigh.
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 875,045 | 465,517 |
| Median home value | $312,800 | $347,000 |
| Median household income | $74,070 | $78,631 |
| Median gross rent | $1,399 | $1,371 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
Housing costs are mixed: Charlotte, NC has the lower median home value while Raleigh, NC has lower median 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.