Do you need a change of scenery? Maybe you're considering a move to Charlotte, NC. The Charlotte Metro Area offers great shopping, arts, community transit, and dining.
Sounds great, right? But how much does it cost? Keep reading to find out more about the cost of living in Charlotte, NC.
Housing
How much will that roof over your head cost? Like most metro areas, it depends on how close you are to the heart of Charlotte.
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is just over $1,500/month. Surrounding areas are slightly less expensive ranging on average from $900 to $1,300/month.
Have a family or roommates? Rent of a three-bedroom in the city of Charlotte averages $2,800/month. Surrounding areas average just under $1,800/month.
Buying A Home
The median home value in Charlotte, NC is $296,685. Most homes closer to the city center are more expensive.
Homes in surrounding areas cost a little less. Gastonia has a median home price of just over $1,700. Concord's home median price sits at $249,278.
Groceries
Charlotte, NC grocery prices are slightly below the national average. A family of four can expect to spend anywhere from $700-$1,000/month on groceries. This number varies quite a bit depending on several different factors.
To provide a clearer picture of grocery costs, here are some common items and their average prices.
- 1 Gallon of Milk $4.00
- 1 Loaf of Bread $2.50
- A dozen Eggs $3.00
- 1 lb Chicken $5.00
- 1 lb Red meat roast $6.95
- 1 lb Apples $3.40
- 1 lb Bananas $0.75
- A head of lettuce $1.50
- A bottle of average wine $14.00
- A pack of cigarettes $8.50
Does your family buy exclusively organic/fresh food? Is anyone on a special diet? If so, grocery costs could be significantly higher.
The cost of groceries also varies quite a bit from store to store. A frozen pizza at Target or Walmart can cost less than $5.00. Grocery store prices, however, average over $8.00.
Transportation
How will you get around once you're living in Charlotte? Public transportation consists of a bus and rail system to help you around the city. The average cost for a one-way trip is about $2.20.
A weekly pass for both transit systems is $30.80 and a monthly pass costs $88.00. If you'd like a monthly pass for the express bus, you'll pay $121.00. Discounted rates are available for students, seniors, and children.
Gas Prices
The current price of gas in Charlotte, NC is $3.60/gallon. Like the rest of the country, fuel prices change frequently. For better accuracy, check average prices at the time you're reading this article.
Car Prices
Planning to buy a new car in the near future? If you're living in Charlotte, you can expect to spend between $22,000 to $24,000 for a sensible, middle-of-the-road sedan.
Parking Prices
Downton Charlotte, NC parking can cost anywhere from $5.00 to $20.00. Check with your employer to see if they validate parking or offer discounts on monthly passes.
Alternative Commute Options
Charlotte, NC offers several different bike-share programs. The city also has motorized scooters available for transit. You can connect to a ride-sharing or carpool program as well.
Check out the city website for details and pricing.
Entertainment
Sure, there's plenty to do. But if you can't afford it, why bother? Here's a quick look at fun attractions in Charlotte and how much they cost.
- Panthers stadium tour $75/group of 25 people
- Movie Theater tickets $14.99/adult
- Freedom Park is free
- Charlotte Motor Speedway adult tickets $45-$197
Eating Out
From fast food to fine dining, Charlotte has it all. A meal from your favorite fast-food joint runs around $8.00. For a slightly nicer, but still economical experience expect to spend $11.00-$25.00/meal.
Expect to spend a minimum of $50.00/meal for a fine dining experience.
Want to grab a beer? That will set you back anywhere from $3.00 to $7.00. You'll pay an average of $4.25 for your cappuccino the next morning.
Utilities
The average cost of basic utilities like electricity, garbage, water, and trash is just under $170/month. The average household pays just under $60 for monthly internet services.
This, of course, depends on where you live. Always check with your rental company to see what utilities (if any) they cover.
Childcare
The cost of childcare depends on how often you need it and the age of your child. The average cost for traditional childcare in the state of North Carolina is $770/month.
It's always best to check with local childcare centers for availability and rates.
Education
According to greatschools.org, Charlotte, NC has excellent public schools.
The average cost for private elementary schools in Charlotte is $8,500/year. Tuition rates increase with grade level. Private high schools average just over $10,000 annually.
Overall Cost of Living in Charlotte
Charlotte living prices are slightly below the national average. A family of four can expect to spend about $3,400/month in living expenses. That cost does not include rent or mortgage payments.
The average cost of living for one person in Charlotte is just under $950/month without accounting for rent or mortgage payments.
Welcome Home to Charlotte, NC
Trying to decide if moving to Charlotte, NC is right for you? The cost of living in Charlotte is below the national average. It's cheaper than NYC but more expensive than smaller, rural areas.
At Bottom Line Property Management, we want to help you find your perfect Charlotte, Gastonia, or Concord rental home. We offer a wide variety of rental properties in great locations.
Give us a call at (704) 379-7492, visit us at 2301 W Morehead St Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28208. Check out our website and browse some available rental homes. Let us help you find the perfect home to start your life in Charlotte!
