Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 97.3 in Charlotte, NC in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 18.8% more expensive than Charlotte; housing rents differ by 99% (194.7 vs 97.6). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $63,151 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 Francisco | Charlotte | San Francisco vs Charlotte |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 97.3 | +18.8% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 96.6 | +12.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 97.6 | +99.4% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 89.2 | +93.6% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 98.2 | +8.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 95.3 | +24.9% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Charlotte | $42,101 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Charlotte | $84,202 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Charlotte | $126,302 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.