Kept

City vs city

Atlanta vs Charlotte

$100,000 in Atlanta buys a lifestyle closer to $96,000 in Charlotte, because Charlotte's cost-of-living index is 104 versus 108.

Atlanta

A major HQ city. Intown neighborhoods cost more than the metro average.

COL index
108
Typical 1-bed
$1,650/mo
Comfortable salary
$92,000
$100k take-home
$74,613
Full Atlanta guide

Charlotte

Banking hub with a 3.99% flat state tax and still-moderate housing.

COL index
104
Typical 1-bed
$1,550/mo
Comfortable salary
$88,000
$100k take-home
$75,699
Full Charlotte guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego