Charlotte, NC
Salary intelligence, cost of living, and affordability data
Avg Salary
$63,876
across all roles
Cost Index
96
Below Average
Avg Rent
$1,490/mo
1-bed apartment
Affordability
5/10
Moderate Affordability
How affordable is Charlotte?
Moderate Affordability
Purchasing power score: 1.51× (take-home ÷ living costs)
With a cost of living index of 96 (US avg = 100) and average disposable income of $1,306/mo, Charlotte is a mid-tier cost market with reasonable affordability across most income levels.
Cost of Living Benchmarks
Cost Index
96
US avg = 100
Est. Monthly Rent
$1,490
1-bed, city avg
Avg Disposable
$1,306
after taxes + living costs
Median Salary
$54,900
across all tracked roles
Purchasing Power
1.51×
take-home ÷ costs
Jobs Tracked
624
job titles with data
Highest-Paying Jobs in Charlotte
By gross annual salary
- $238,780
- 2.Dentists$192,580
- $172,640
- $172,100
- $167,590
- $167,470
- $165,120
- $164,160
- $163,530
- $158,490
Best Jobs for Disposable Income
After taxes and living costs
- $11,946/mo
- 2.Dentists$9,135/mo
- $7,922/mo
- $7,889/mo
- $7,615/mo
- $7,608/mo
- $7,465/mo
- $7,406/mo
- $7,368/mo
- $7,062/mo
Jobs With Tightest Budgets in Charlotte
These roles leave the least disposable income after living costs — worth knowing before accepting an offer.
Explore Charlotte Further
All data derived from BLS OEWS metro data and regional cost-of-living indices. Figures are estimates; verify with local sources before making decisions.