City vs city
Atlanta, GA vs Charlotte, NC
- Rent is 6% lower in Charlotte (median $1,612/mo vs $1,711/mo in Atlanta).
- Homes cost 14% less in Charlotte ($386k vs $440k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $165 more a month after taxes and rent in Charlotte.
- Schools rate higher in Charlotte (6.8/10 vs 2.3/10).
- Charlotte has less violent crime (6.9 vs 7.4 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Atlanta | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,711/mo | $1,612/mo |
| Median home value | $440k | $386k |
| Median household income | $86k | $82k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,149 | $3,314 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.3/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.1× the US rate | 1.9× the US rate |
| Summer average | 90°F | 90°F |
| Winter average | 44°F | 42°F |
| Sunny days a year | 217 | 218 |
| Walk score | 48 | 28 |
| Population | 505,268 | 903,844 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
Not sure it's either one?
Tell the AI matcher your budget, job and dealbreakers, and get cities that fit, with the real numbers.
Find my city