Kept

City vs city

Philadelphia vs Charlotte

$100,000 in Philadelphia buys a lifestyle closer to $95,000 in Charlotte, because Charlotte's cost-of-living index is 104 versus 110.

Philadelphia

The wage tax is the paycheck surprise. Housing is cheap for a city this large.

COL index
110
Typical 1-bed
$1,650/mo
Comfortable salary
$94,000
$100k take-home
$72,360
Full Philadelphia 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