Massachusetts vs North Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$50,505
in Massachusetts
$76,609
in North Carolina
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Massachusetts | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 221.0 | 94.0 | +135% |
| Groceries | 102.7 | 99.0 | +4% |
| Utilities | 154.8 | 94.7 | +63% |
| Transportation | 105.2 | 92.2 | +14% |
| Healthcare | 134.2 | 110.2 | +22% |
| Dining & Misc | 116.8 | 101.4 | +15% |
| Overall | 148.5 | 97.9 | +52% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Massachusetts.
What things actually cost
| Item | Massachusetts | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $620,000 | $325,000 | +$295,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $3,094/mo | $1,316/mo | +$1,778 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.29/gal | +$0.12 |
| Electric bill | $212/mo | $103/mo | +$109 |
| Infant childcare | $26,709/yr | $11,720/yr | +$14,989 |
Salary equivalent: Massachusetts → North Carolina
What a Massachusetts salary buys you in North Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Massachusetts | Equivalent in North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $32,963 | +$17,037 |
| $75,000 | $49,444 | +$25,556 |
| $100,000 | $65,926 | +$34,074 |
| $150,000 | $98,889 | +$51,111 |
| $200,000 | $131,852 | +$68,148 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Massachusetts is 52% more expensive than North Carolina overall. Massachusetts has an index of 148.5 vs 97.9 for North Carolina (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or North Carolina?
North Carolina is cheaper to live in. Massachusetts is 52% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $620,000 in Massachusetts vs $325,000 in North Carolina.
Is North Carolina cheaper than Massachusetts?
Yes, North Carolina is 52% cheaper than Massachusetts overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Massachusetts more expensive than North Carolina?
Yes, Massachusetts is 52% more expensive than North Carolina based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in North Carolina equals $100,000 in Massachusetts?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Massachusetts, you would need approximately $65,926 in North Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (148.5 vs 97.9).
How do housing costs compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Carolina. Median home prices are $620,000 in Massachusetts vs $325,000 in North Carolina — a $295,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $3,094/mo vs $1,316/mo.
What costs more in Massachusetts vs North Carolina?
Housing is 135% higher in Massachusetts (index 221 vs 94). Utilities is 63% higher in Massachusetts (index 154.8 vs 94.7). Healthcare is 22% higher in Massachusetts (index 134.2 vs 110.2).
Is gas cheaper in Massachusetts or North Carolina?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Massachusetts and $3.29/gallon in North Carolina — a $0.12 difference per gallon.
Massachusetts vs North Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Massachusetts has an overall cost-of-living index of 148.5 and North Carolina has 97.9 (national average = 100). Massachusetts is 52% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Massachusetts vs North Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Massachusetts Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Massachusetts vs North Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Massachusetts — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.