Charlotte vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Charlotte's typical home is worth $312,800, 32% lower than the typical home in Austin at $461,500.
Median household income is $74,070 in Charlotte versus $86,556 in Austin.
On median rent, Charlotte runs $1,399 while Austin runs $1,549.
On climate risk, the two cities are evenly matched — both rated "Relatively High" by FEMA.
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 875,045 | 958,202 |
| Median home value | $312,800 | $461,500 |
| Median household income | $74,070 | $86,556 |
| Median gross rent | $1,399 | $1,549 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
On housing costs, Charlotte, NC looks more affordable than Austin, TX — 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.