Monroe, NC vs. Concord, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Monroe vs Concord. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Monroe vs Concord in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Monroe and Concord:
| Housing Type | Monroe | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $350,000 | $390,000 |
🏆 Winner: Monroe. Housing costs an average of 10-12% less in Monroe compared to Concord.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. In Monroe, residents can expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, and gas. Concord utility costs are slightly higher, averaging $200 monthly.
Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters. Air conditioning usage peaks from June through September. Heating bills are highest in December and January but remain moderate.
🏆 Winner: Monroe has the edge on utility costs, with bills averaging about 10% lower than Concord.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Weekly grocery and dining out costs are comparable between Monroe and Concord. Expect to budget around $125 per person each week for food and household essentials in either city.
One notable difference: Monroe has more locally-owned markets and farm stands, which can mean savings on fresh produce. Concord offers a wider variety of restaurants and national chains.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie. Grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical in Monroe and Concord.
4. Taxes and Fees
North Carolina property taxes are assessed at the county level. Union County (Monroe) has a slightly lower property tax rate of 0.7987% compared to Cabarrus County (Concord) at 0.81%.
In Monroe, many neighborhoods have active HOAs. Fees typically range from $25-150 per month and often include services like landscaping, trash collection, and amenities. Concord has fewer HOA communities on average.
🏆 Winner: Monroe. The typical household pays about 5% less in annual property taxes and fees.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense Category | Monroe | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,250 – $1,750 | $1,400 – $1,950 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $60 | $75 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $325 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,540 – $3,040 | $2,750 – $3,300 |
These figures reflect estimated expenses for a household with a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of $6,000. Your specific cost of living will vary based on your income, lifestyle, and family size. For more examples, see our guide to Monthly Budget Examples for Monroe Residents.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is an important consideration, your lifestyle preferences also matter when choosing between Monroe and Concord.
Monroe offers a quieter, small-town feel with easy access to outdoor recreation at Lake Twitty and Morrow Mountain State Park. Many neighborhoods back up to wooded areas or farmland. Downtown Monroe has locally-owned shops and restaurants in a historic setting.
Concord is a larger suburb of Charlotte with more urban amenities. Commute times to Uptown Charlotte jobs average 30 minutes. Concord Mills is the largest outlet mall in North Carolina. The city also has a popular historic district and thriving arts scene.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Monroe more affordable than Concord? Yes, the cost of living in Monroe is about 5-10% lower on average, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rental rates are around 10% less in Monroe. The median rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1,250 in Monroe compared to $1,400 in Concord.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Monroe has lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes. Buying a home costs about 10% less in Monroe than Concord.
8. Conclusion
Monroe and Concord offer a comparable cost of living, with Monroe coming out slightly ahead on housing and utilities. The typical household can expect to spend around $200-300 less per month living in Monroe.
Your ideal city will depend on your lifestyle priorities. Choose Monroe for a quieter small town feel, or Concord for more urban amenities and a shorter commute to Charlotte.
Considering other North Carolina cities? Read our Cost of Living in Monroe (2025 Guide) for more comparisons and examples.