Charlotte, North Carolina
In Charlotte, North Carolina, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.73 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.28 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,700, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Charlotte's cost-of-living index of 98 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.73
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$1,700
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.58%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$12.50
Combo meal
Electricity
13.2¢/kWh
~$119/mo avg bill
Car Insurance
$140/mo
$1,680/yr state avg
📸 Help make this data more accurate
Some prices above are regional estimates. Submit a receipt from a local store to help us show what Charlotte residents actually pay.
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.87 | $2.21 | $2.80 | $4.19 | $2.30 | +2960.0% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.60 | $3.89 | $3.89 | $4.01 | $4.05 | +630.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.86 | $4.83 | $5.02 | $5.22 | $5.27 | +36.5% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.24 | $3.05 | $3.23 | $3.46 | $3.53 | +1900.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.80 | $4.11 | $4.19 | $4.32 | $4.36 | +2630.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.36 | $4.98 | $5.12 | $5.43 | $5.54 | +27.1% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.29 | $6.93 | $7.42 | $7.72 | $8.11 | +28.9% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.90 | $6.49 | $6.61 | $6.74 | $6.87 | +16.4% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.54 | $1.92 | $2.04 | $2.10 | $2.14 | +39.0% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.32 | $5.02 | $5.27 | $5.43 | $5.59 | +29.4% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.40 | $10.18 | $10.88 | $11.20 | $11.31 | +34.6% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.83 | $4.56 | $5.02 | $5.21 | $5.42 | +41.5% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.07 | $4.27 | $4.49 | $4.67 | $4.72 | +16.0% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.54 | $4.81 | $5.00 | $5.15 | $5.15 | +13.4% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.15 | $2.46 | $2.63 | $2.73 | $2.84 | +32.1% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.74 | $1.91 | $2.06 | $2.18 | $2.25 | +29.3% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.54 | $6.92 | $7.55 | $7.93 | $7.93 | +43.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.32 | $4.76 | $5.10 | $5.25 | $5.36 | +24.1% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.69 | $5.39 | $5.82 | $5.93 | $5.99 | +27.7% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.12 | $7.27 | $7.85 | $8.40 | $8.48 | +38.6% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$12.50
Casual Dining
$27.03
Monthly Spend
$456.04
+5.48% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $8.14
$13.13
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $9.19
$14.18
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $9.85
$14.71
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $4.64
$6.45
+39.0%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Charlotte?
Average 1BR: $1,326/mo · 2BR: $2,006/mo
Newsletter
Get the Monthly Price Report
We track gas, groceries, and rent so you know what's coming before it hits your wallet. One email, once a month, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Data updated monthly from FRED, Zillow, AAA.
How does Charlotte compare to other North Carolina cities?
Compare Cities Side by Side →