Mooresville, NC vs. Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Mooresville vs Charlotte. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Mooresville vs Charlotte in 2025.
Imagine Sarah, a young professional considering a move from Charlotte to Mooresville for a new job opportunity. She currently pays $1,600 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment in Charlotte. A comparable place in Mooresville would cost around $1,200. Sarah also spends about $400 per month on groceries in Charlotte. In Mooresville, her grocery bill might drop to $350 thanks to lower prices at local markets and farm stands.
Housing Costs: Mooresville vs Charlotte
| Housing Type | Mooresville | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: Mooresville
Housing costs, including rent and home prices, tend to be significantly lower in Mooresville compared to Charlotte. Renters can expect to pay around 25% less for an apartment in Mooresville, while home buyers may spend over $100,000 less on a comparable single-family home.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Mooresville residents paying slightly less on average for electricity, water, and sewer. In both places, expect to budget around $150-200 per month for a 1,000 square foot apartment. Costs rise in the summer months when air conditioning drives up electric bills.
🏆 Winner: Mooresville, but it’s close
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items like toiletries and cleaning supplies cost about 5-10% less in Mooresville compared to Charlotte. Expect to spend around $350 per month on groceries for a single person in Mooresville, versus $400 or more in Charlotte.
Dining out is also more affordable in Mooresville. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $50 in Mooresville, while the same meal might cost $70 in Charlotte.
🏆 Winner: Mooresville
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a property tax rate around 1% of assessed value. However, with lower home values in Mooresville, the actual tax paid is often less. For example, annual property taxes on a $325,000 home in Mooresville would be about $3,250, compared to $4,500 on a $450,000 home in Charlotte.
In Mooresville, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash pickup, which can help offset other costs. Charlotte has fewer neighborhoods with HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Mooresville
Cost of Living in Mooresville vs Charlotte Summary
| Cost Category | Mooresville | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $175 | $200 |
| Groceries | $350 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $100 |
| Taxes | $270 | $375 |
| Miscellaneous | $200 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,255 | $2,925 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Mooresville offers a lower cost of living, it’s a more suburban environment compared to Charlotte. Mooresville has limited public transportation and longer commute times. However, many find the extra space, quiet neighborhoods, and affordable lifestyle in Mooresville worth the tradeoff.
Charlotte is a better fit for those who prefer urban amenities, walkability, and shorter commutes, and are willing to pay more for housing. Charlotte averages 5°F warmer than Mooresville in the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Mooresville more affordable than Charlotte? Yes, Mooresville offers a lower cost of living across major categories like housing, groceries, and utilities.
- Which city has lower rent? Mooresville has lower apartment rents on average, with a 2-bedroom costing about 25% less than in Charlotte.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices are significantly lower in Mooresville. Buyers can expect to spend over $100,000 less on a comparable home.
Conclusion
Mooresville offers a significantly lower cost of living than Charlotte, with savings on housing, groceries, utilities, and daily expenses. It’s an excellent fit for those seeking an affordable suburban lifestyle. However, Charlotte’s urban amenities and shorter commutes may be worth the extra cost for some.
Be sure to compare other cost of living factors for cities in North Carolina to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle. With some research, you’ll be sure to find your ideal spot to call home.