A: Charlotte, NC, is a lovely place to live. With a lower-than-average cost of living, strong financial industry, relatively mild climate, and an up-and-coming food scene, it's no wonder it's one of the top 20 fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

Charlotte, NC housing is 11% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 12% less pricey. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 3% more in Charlotte, NC than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 3% more .

In Charlotte, an individual must make an annual salary of at least $101,338 — or an hourly wage of $48.72 — to achieve a comfortable lifestyle as defined in the study. That breaks down to nearly $50,700 going toward needs, about $30,400 toward wants and close to $20,300 toward debt/savings.

Charlotte is just 20 miles away from the closest lake beach on Lake Norman, and 176 miles away from the closest coastal beach.