Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Charlotte, NC and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$65,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Boston, MA
$63,725 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Boston, MA
$56,232 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $65,000 | $108,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 | $82,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,000 | $138,000▲ | -$55,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,000 | $168,000▲ | -$66,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 162 | -60 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5%▲ | 5% | -0.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $63,725 | $66,667▲ | -$2,942 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $57,357 | $94,802▲ | -$37,445 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $56,232 | $58,520▲ | -$2,288 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 38,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $43,000 more (median: $65,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 162), Boston, MA provides better purchasing power ($63,725 vs $66,667 equivalent). Charlotte, NC has the lower state tax rate (4.5% vs 5%).
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Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.