Is Charlotte, NC or San Antonio, TX cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

San Antonio, TX leaves you more: $10,601/yr. On $120,000, Charlotte, NC leaves $65,804/yr in pocket (state tax $5,100, housing $19,516) vs San Antonio, TX's $76,405 (state tax $0, housing $14,015).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (North Carolina: 4.25% vs Texas: 0%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Charlotte, NC vs San Antonio, TX

Charlotte, NC vs San Antonio, TX: cost of living on $120,000

San Antonio, TX +$10,601/yr On $120,000, Charlotte, NC leaves $65,804/yr in pocket vs San Antonio, TX's $76,405 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Charlotte, NC	San Antonio, TX
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$5,100 (4.25%)	$0 (0%)
After-tax income	$85,320	$90,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$19,516	$14,015
Real money in pocket	$65,804	$76,405

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Charlotte, NC or San Antonio, TX cheaper?: On $120,000, San Antonio, TX — by $10,601/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (North Carolina 4.25% vs Texas 0%) and housing cost.

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