Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Diego, CA metro were 111.9 vs 97.3 in Charlotte, NC in 2024 (US = 100), so San Diego is 14.9% more expensive than Charlotte; housing rents differ by 84% (179.3 vs 97.6). A $75,000 income in San Diego buys about what $65,254 buys in Charlotte, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Diego | Charlotte | San Diego vs Charlotte |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.9 | 97.3 | +14.9% |
| Goods | 108.0 | 96.6 | +11.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | 97.6 | +83.6% |
| Utilities | 174.2 | 89.2 | +95.4% |
| Other services | 99.6 | 98.2 | +1.4% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.7 | 95.3 | +19.3% |
| $50,000 in San Diego equals in Charlotte | $43,503 | ||
| $100,000 in San Diego equals in Charlotte | $87,006 | ||
| $150,000 in San Diego equals in Charlotte | $130,508 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.