Relocating to Charlotte from NYC (Matthews: rental, health insurance, condo)

[bullmac67]

Hi All,
May I ask a favor and someone tell me the real differences in the cost of living? I know the cost of housing is a big difference but I have heard other things like food is about equal??? How about energy for house, fuel,insurance etc...thanks in advance
Ian

[SANDRASELLSCHARLOTTECOM]

Originally Posted by bullmac67

Hi All,
May I ask a favor and someone tell me the real differences in the cost of living? I know the cost of housing is a big difference but I have heard other things like food is about equal??? How about energy for house, fuel,insurance etc...thanks in advance
Ian

As a former metro area resient here goes. It is half the cost to live here,

1500 sq ft house in Ct electric (2005) was 300 a month all electric house, Charlotte 3000 Sq ft house 139.00 for electric. Just spoke with friend living in greenwich ct 1230 condo electric bill is 400 a month.

From NYC to Charlotte car insurance roughly about 1/3

Home costs sold townhome in ct with rights to deeded private beach 500k in 2005. Purchased house in South Charlotte for half the price of condo(house would have been aprox 5.5 million in ct).
Friend in Ct just paid 3.59 for gas in Greenwich I just paid 2.59.

We find food to be the only thing a little more costly. I loved the area so much I am now a realtor and help northerners transition to the south, so if you would like any more info just let me know

[stmaarten]

Groceries are definitely more expensive! I miss my ShopRite . But that's about the only thing I miss...
I can't help you out with the rest of the bills. We haven't lived here long enough for me to comment on that.

[bullmac67]

Hi Sandra,
Any help with transition info would be great, and help with finding a house or maybe a short stay rental until I find a house??
Thanks, I ca give you my personal email....

Originally Posted by SANDRASELLSCHARLOTTECOM

As a former metro area resient here goes. It is half the cost to live here,

1500 sq ft house in Ct electric (2005) was 300 a month all electric house, Charlotte 3000 Sq ft house 139.00 for electric. Just spoke with friend living in greenwich ct 1230 condo electric bill is 400 a month.

From NYC to Charlotte car insurance roughly about 1/3

Home costs sold townhome in ct with rights to deeded private beach 500k in 2005. Purchased house in South Charlotte for half the price of condo(house would have been aprox 5.5 million in ct).
Friend in Ct just paid 3.59 for gas in Greenwich I just paid 2.59.

We find food to be the only thing a little more costly. I loved the area so much I am now a realtor and help northerners transition to the south, so if you would like any more info just let me know

[recruiter]

I wouldn't go as far as to say it is half the cost to live in the Charlotte area as opposed to Ct.
There are things that are cheaper here but also some that are more expensive.
Gas is cheaper. Property taxes are lower but going up fast. Income tax is higher here. Auto insurance is about a third the cost. Groceries are more expensive in NC. Auto registration taxes are higher in NC (have to pay them every year). City government in Charlotte keep looking for ways to increase taxes to pay for stadiums, trains, museums, etc. but not schools or police. Housing prices in Charlotte are high. If you head out of the city you can find reasonable prices.
My home in Matthews was $245,000, 13 years ago. My neighbor just sold his home for $575,000. It is 3500 sq ft.

[rscap]

In a related question, I was wondering about health insurance costs. Right now in metro NY, coverage for a family of 4 ranges from $1100 to $1500 per month depending on the type of coverage. Anyone know how much it is in Charlotte NC or Fort Mill SC (and is there a difference between the two)?