Matthews, NC vs Smithfield, NC

The cost of living difference between Matthews, NC and Smithfield, NC is dramatic. Smithfield is 67.6% cheaper than Matthews, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Matthews has a cost index of 118 while Smithfield sits at 70, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Matthews is $1,670/month compared to $601/month in Smithfield — a 178% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Smithfield is more affordable at $217,000 median vs $406,800.

Median household income in Matthews is $105,579 compared to $37,827 in Smithfield (+179.1%). While Matthews is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Matthews spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 19.1% in Smithfield.