Hi there, I’m Maureen, broker‑owner at SellYourHomeCharlotte.com. Since 2015, I’ve helped folks buy and sell homes across the Queen City, always starting with the same question: Is Charlotte still affordable? Spoiler alert: Yes. Charlotte’s overall cost of living runs roughly 15 percent below the national average while delivering a vibrant lifestyle, a resilient job market, and neighborhoods for every season of life.
Disclaimer: All prices, fees, and rates in this guide are best‑available estimates as of June 2025. Actual costs can vary by provider, location, and market conditions. Please verify current figures directly with service providers and official data sources.
Charlotte uptown, City
1. Taxes at a Glance
https://www.mecknc.gov/
2. Housing Costs in Charlotte
Price* | |
Median home price (all types) | ~$414,000 |
New‑construction median | ~$455,000 |
Existing‑home median | ~$400,000 |
Typical HOA dues | $150–$350 / mo |
Neighborhood Snapshots
- Uptown: ~$531,900
- Dilworth: ~$769,900
- Wilmore: ~$633,200
- Elizabeth: ~$624,500
- Myers Park: ~$1.6 M
- East Charlotte: ~$325k–$425k
- Matthews: ~$425k–$550k
- NoDa: ~$510,000
- Ballantyne: ~$630,000
3. Utilities & Everyday Expenses
Item | Cost Range |
Electricity, water, trash (1,800 sq ft home) | $160–$300 / mo |
High‑speed internet | ~$65 / mo |
Groceries | 3–5 % below U.S. average |
Regular gas | ~$2.95 / gal (June 2025) |
Summer A/C bills run roughly 15 % higher June–August; Duke Energy’s Time‑of‑Use plan can save ~10 %.
4. Transportation Costs
Charlotte is largely car‑dependent with an average 26‑minute commute. Living near Uptown, South End, or Matthews can shave both time and fuel costs.
- LYNX Blue Line Light Rail: $2.20 per ride / $88 monthly pass
- Uptown daily parking: $5–$15
- Electric‑vehicle charging: $0.15–$0.20 / kWh (public Level 2)
5. Job‑Market Snapshot
Metric | 2025 Figure | Source |
Metro unemployment rate | 3.4 % | |
Top private employers | Bank of America, Atrium Health, Lowe’s, Duke Energy, Truist | |
Median household income | $73,500 |
6. Weather & Seasonal Tips
Season | Avg High / Low | Utility Tip |
Summer (Jun‑Aug) | 89 °F / 70 °F | Programmable thermostat saves ~12 % on A/C. |
Winter (Dec‑Feb) | 53 °F / 32 °F | Heat‑pump tune‑up trims winter bill 8 %. |
Rain averages 43 in / yr; snowfall is light (2 in / yr), so no hefty snow‑removal expenses.
7. Lifestyle & Fun
7.1 Fitness Options
Facility | Area | Approx. Cost | |
$79 mo / $139 family | |||
~$175 mo | |||
$60–$90 mo | |||
~$175 mo | |||
$149–$199 mo | |||
$99–$189 mo | |||
$165–$200 mo | |||
$69–$99 mo | |||
$10–$25 mo | |||
$159–$199 mo |
7.2 Dining Highlights
Restaurant | Area | Entrée | |
$30–$70 | |||
$18–$35 | |||
$12–$25 | |||
$35–$65 | |||
$20–$45 | |||
$15–$30 | |||
$15–$35 | |||
$12–$20 | |||
$25–$40 | |||
$25–$65 |
7.3 Brewery Scene
Brewery | Area | Pint | |
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 | |||
$6–$8 |
Complete list and map of Charlotte’s 40+ local breweries, plus the most popular beer at each - Axios Charlotte
8. Childcare & Dog Daycare Costs by Neighborhood
8.1 Childcare Centers
Neighborhood | Typical Monthly Cost | Notes | ||
$1,200–$1,400 | High‑demand; corporate subsidies common | |||
$1,100–$1,350 | Balanced learning curriculum | |||
$1,200–$1,400 | Focus on STEAM play | |||
$900–$1,200 | Waitlists 6–9 mo | |||
$950–$1,250 | Language & tech‑rich program | |||
$1,000–$1,300 | Large outdoor play spaces | |||
$1,100–$1,350 | Near corporate offices; extended hours |
Costs reflect full‑time infant‑to‑Pre‑K care. Part‑time and sibling discounts vary by provider.
8.2 Dog Daycare & Boarding
Neighborhood | Cost (Half / Full Day) | Unlimited Pass | Notes | ||
$22 / $34 | $499 mo | Indoor‑outdoor turf park + bar | |||
$20 / $32 | $475 mo | 6 a.m.–7 p.m. play; webcams | |||
$23 / $35 | $495 mo | Pool, overnight suites | |||
$21 / $33 | $465 mo | Grooming & training add‑ons | |||
$18 / $28 | $425 mo | Large shaded outdoor yard | |||
$24 / $36 | $520 mo | Spa services + webcams | |||
$20 / $30 | $450 mo | Dog‑friendly sports bar attached |
Packages often include multi‑day bundles that bring per‑day rates down 10–15 %.
9. Healthcare Snapshot
Service | Typical Cost |
ACA silver plan (40‑yr‑old) | $450–$580 / mo before subsidy |
Primary‑care visit (cash) | $130–$170 |
Urgent‑care visit | $100–$150 |
Generic prescription | $10–$15 |
Atrium Health & Novant operate urgent‑care clinics across the metro; many employers offset premiums by 50–80 %.
UNC Charlotte, NC
10. Education & Lifelong Learning
10.1 K‑12 Resources
Resource | What You’ll Find | |
District calendar, enrollment zones, magnet/charter lottery info | ||
Application deadlines, program descriptions, lottery results | ||
State‑issued performance data for every public school | ||
| Parent reviews, test scores, diversity data | ||
Tuition assistance for private schools |
10.2 Higher‑Education & Lifelong Learning
Institution | Focus | 2025 In‑State Tuition* | |
4‑year research university (engineering, business, health) | ~$7,200 / yr | ||
2‑year degrees, trade certificates, workforce dev | ~$2,400 / yr | ||
Private liberal‑arts (nursing, communications) | ~$41,600 / yr | ||
| Culinary, hospitality, design, business | ~$38,500 / yr | ||
MBA & adult‑learners programs | ~$17,000 / yr (grad) |
Tuition figures reflect 2025‑26 published rates; verify directly with each institution for updated costs and scholarship options.
11. Safety Resources
- CMPD Crime Mapping: You can check recent incidents in any Charlotte neighborhood.
- Neighborhood Watch: Many areas have programs through the HOA or Nextdoor to stay connected and informed.
Charlotte's light rail Silver Line
12. Major Infrastructure Projects
- CATS Silver Line Light Rail: 29‑mile east‑west line (construction 2026–2033).
- CLT Airport Lobby Expansion: $600 M project finishing 2026—adds gates & retail.
13. Cost‑Saving Local Hacks
- Duke Energy Time‑of‑Use rates: Save ~10 % by shifting laundry & dishwashing to off‑peak.
- Free Museum Days: First Wednesdays (Mint Museum), Wednesdays 5‑9 p.m. (Bechtler).
- Run Clubs: Join brewery run clubs for discounts on pints.
14. Market Trend Snapshot
Metric | 12‑Month Change (May 2024–May 2025) |
Median sale price | +4.2 % |
Average Days on Market | 27 |
List‑to‑sale price ratio | 98.1 % |
(Source: Canopy MLS FastStats)
15. How Charlotte Stacks Up to Peer Cities
City | Median Home | Property Tax | Groceries & Utilities |
~$414k | 0.62 % | 3–5 % below US avg | |
Raleigh, NC | ~$440k | 0.72 % | Similar |
Atlanta, GA | ~$430k | 0.85 % | Slightly above |
Austin, TX | ~$520k | 1.8 % | Above |
16. Tips for Budgeting Your Move
- Get pre‑approved so you know your buying power.
- Include taxes, HOA, insurance, and utilities in monthly planning.
- Test‑drive commutes at rush hour before picking a neighborhood.
- Download my free Relocation Checklist and cost‑of‑living calculator PDF.
17. FAQ
- How much is the average home in Charlotte NC? About $414,000.
- Total tax bite? 4.5 % state income + 0.62 % property + 7.25 % sales.
- What are typical utility bills in Charlotte NC (3‑bed home)? $250–$300 / mo.
- What’s summer electric cost bump? Roughly 15 % June–August.
- How much is daycare in Charlotte NC? Infant $1,200 / mo.
- Average healthcare premium? $450–$580 / mo before subsidies.
- Job market health? 3.4 % unemployment with finance, healthcare, and tech growth.
- Why hire a local Realtor? To align lifestyle, budget, and location while avoiding costly missteps.
18. Ready to Explore Charlotte?
- Follow me on Instagram @SellYourHomeCharlotte for daily market tips and neighborhood spotlights.
- Take our interactive Neighborhood Quiz to discover which area aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
- Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video tours and market updates.
Thinking about a move? Let’s chat. Curious about your current home’s value? Let’s check.
Prices marked with an asterisk are rounded estimates for 2025 and will be updated quarterly.