Charlotte, NC vs. Concord, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Charlotte vs Concord. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Charlotte vs Concord in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Charlotte and Concord compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Charlotte | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,650 | $1,450 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $380,000 |
🏆 Winner: Concord. Housing costs an estimated 10-15% less in Concord compared to Charlotte.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $120-150
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $80-100
- Internet: $60-80
Concord’s slightly milder climate means less A/C use in summer. Both cities offer off-peak utility plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Concord, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are nearly identical in Charlotte and Concord. Budget around $400-500/month per adult for groceries and dining out.
Gas prices also tend to be within 1-2% of each other. Overall, day-to-day expenses are a toss-up.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Expect similar daily living costs in either city.
4. Taxes and Fees
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) has a slightly higher property tax rate than Cabarrus County (Concord): 1.05% vs 0.92%. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $500/year.
In Charlotte, HOA fees often include extras like landscaping and trash pickup. Concord HOAs are more variable. Both cities charge similar amounts for utilities and services.
🏆 Winner: Concord has a slight edge with lower property taxes.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Charlotte | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| Utilities | $300 | $280 |
| Groceries & Dining | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $200 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $550 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,500 | $4,930 |
Note: These are estimated gross monthly expenses (pre-tax) for a typical family. Your actual cost of living will vary based on lifestyle, family size, housing choices, and more.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While only 25 miles apart, Charlotte and Concord each have distinct vibes:
- Charlotte offers an urban feel with more walkability, public transit, and density. Expect a busier pace and less space.
- Concord has more of a relaxed suburban atmosphere. Commutes may be longer, but homes have more square footage and lots.
Charlotte averages 2°F warmer than Concord year-round. Summers are noticeably hotter in the city.
7. FAQ
Is Charlotte more affordable than Concord?
No, Concord has a lower overall cost of living by an estimated 10%. Housing and taxes are the biggest factors.
Which city has lower rent?
Concord rents are typically 10-15% lower than comparable apartments in Charlotte proper.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Concord home prices are around 15% less than Charlotte. Property taxes are also lower in Cabarrus County vs Mecklenburg.
8. Conclusion
While only 25 miles apart, Charlotte and Concord offer distinct lifestyles at different price points. Concord is the more affordable option, with lower housing, taxes, and slightly cheaper utilities. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s urban vibe comes at a 10-15% premium.
Young professionals and those wanting walkability may prefer Charlotte. Growing families and anyone prioritizing square footage will find better value in Concord. Of course, these aren’t hard rules. Weigh the tradeoffs for your budget and lifestyle.
For more insights, read our Monthly Budget Examples for Charlotte Residents and Cost of Living in Charlotte (2025 Guide). The numbers don’t lie – Concord offers significant savings for those open to a suburban setting.