Quick answer
Overall prices in the Charlotte, NC metro were 97.3 vs 110.4 in San Jose, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Charlotte is 11.8% less expensive than San Jose; housing rents differ by 54% (97.6 vs 211.9). A $75,000 income in Charlotte buys about what $85,073 buys in San Jose, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Charlotte | San Jose | Charlotte vs San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 97.3 | 110.4 | -11.8% |
| Goods | 96.6 | 105.2 | -8.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 97.6 | 211.9 | -53.9% |
| Utilities | 89.2 | 156.7 | -43.1% |
| Other services | 98.2 | 100.3 | -2.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 95.3 | 119.3 | -20.1% |
| $50,000 in Charlotte equals in San Jose | $56,716 | ||
| $100,000 in Charlotte equals in San Jose | $113,431 | ||
| $150,000 in Charlotte equals in San Jose | $170,147 |
Related
- Cost of living: Charlotte, NC vs San Antonio, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Seattle, WA vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Charlotte, NC vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.