Cost of Living: Charlotte vs San Diego (2026)

Charlotte vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 15% more expensive than Charlotte overall — $100,000 in Charlotte is worth about $114,935 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 15% more expensive than Charlotte overall — $100,000 in Charlotte is worth about $114,935 in San Diego.

Charlotte vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricCharlotteSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)97112+15%
Median rent$1,504$2,223+48%
Median home value$351,500$848,500+141%
Median household income$78,438$104,321+33%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Charlotte has the same buying power as about $114,935 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $87,006 in Charlotte.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Charlotte and San Diego.

Compare any salary: Charlotte vs San Diego

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 112 vs 97 — a 15% difference. Your money goes further in Charlotte.

About $114,935 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Charlotte.