Cost of living in Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and growing economy. Understanding the cost of living in Charlotte is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $31.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90, with prices ranging from $60 to $135.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $11.9.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $7, imported beer $6 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $5.95, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.06.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.3 and $5.5, with an average price of $3.92.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $6.9, averaging $4.09.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.7 to $8.16 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $17.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.8 and $7.69 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.2 and $5, with a monthly pass priced between $30 and $123.75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.86 to $4.97 per km and $30 to $35 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1550 to $2500, averaging $1997.06.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $2000, averaging $1679.56.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2900 to $5600, averaging $4159.12.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2000 to $3440, averaging $2728.61.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3433.69 to $7319.46, averaging $4935.73.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2336 to $3552.09, averaging $2990.61.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $108.35 and $291.6, averaging $185.06.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $100, with an average cost of $75.36.
Cost of Living Rankings
Charlotte ranks 18th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Charlotte offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Charlotte are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being reasonably priced.
Transportation costs are relatively affordable, with public transport and fuel prices being competitive.
Housing in Charlotte can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Conclusion
Charlotte, NC, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable transportation and grocery prices, though housing can be a significant expense, particularly in the city centre.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle and budget preferences when planning a move to Charlotte, as the city offers a variety of options to suit different needs.