City vs city
Charlotte, NC vs Houston, TX
- Rent is 18% lower in Houston (median $1,361/mo vs $1,612/mo in Charlotte).
- Homes cost 39% less in Houston ($278k vs $386k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $458 more a month after taxes and rent in Houston.
- Houston has no state income tax on wages; Charlotte does.
- Schools rate higher in Charlotte (6.8/10 vs 3.4/10).
- Charlotte has less violent crime (6.9 vs 8.9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Houston has milder winters (55°F vs 42°F average).
| Charlotte | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,612/mo | $1,361/mo |
| Median home value | $386k | $278k |
| Median household income | $82k | $65k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,314 | $3,772 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 6.8/10 | 3.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.9× the US rate | 2.5× the US rate |
| Summer average | 90°F | 94°F |
| Winter average | 42°F | 55°F |
| Sunny days a year | 218 | 204 |
| Walk score | 28 | 49 |
| Population | 903,844 | 2,328,253 |
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.
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