City vs city
Charlotte, NC vs Phoenix, AZ
- Rent is 2% lower in Phoenix (median $1,582/mo vs $1,612/mo in Charlotte).
- Homes cost 9% less in Charlotte ($386k vs $421k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $98 more a month after taxes and rent in Phoenix.
- Schools rate higher in Charlotte (6.8/10 vs 1.9/10).
- Phoenix has milder winters (56°F vs 42°F average).
- Phoenix gets more sun (299 vs 218 sunny days a year).
| Charlotte | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,612/mo | $1,582/mo |
| Median home value | $386k | $421k |
| Median household income | $82k | $81k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,314 | $3,412 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 6.8/10 | 1.9/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.9× the US rate | 1.9× the US rate |
| Summer average | 90°F | 107°F |
| Winter average | 42°F | 56°F |
| Sunny days a year | 218 | 299 |
| Walk score | 28 | 41 |
| Population | 903,844 | 1,642,323 |
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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