Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 97.3 in Charlotte, NC in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 11.9% more expensive than Charlotte; housing rents differ by 55% (151.1 vs 97.6). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $67,054 buys in Charlotte, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Washington | Charlotte | Washington vs Charlotte |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 97.3 | +11.9% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 96.6 | +8.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 97.6 | +54.8% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 89.2 | +19.7% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 98.2 | +4.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 95.3 | +20.4% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in Charlotte | $44,703 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in Charlotte | $89,405 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in Charlotte | $134,108 |
Related
- 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 in Charlottesville, VA vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in Chattanooga, TN-GA vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in Cheyenne, WY vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Cincinnati, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Cleveland, OH (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.