City vs City Comparison
Compare cost of living, housing, jobs, weather, and more between two cities side by side.
Quick Verdict
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Charlotte, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Cost | $360,000 | $380,000 |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Median Income | $62,817 | $67,266 |
| Cost of Living | 100 / 100 | 102 / 100 |
| Sunny Days | 218 days/yr | 213 days/yr |
| Walkability | Low | Low |
| School Rating | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | 3.1% |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 4.75% |
| Groceries Index | 98 | 97 |
| Healthcare Index | 97 | 96 |
| Avg Utilities | $145/mo | $140/mo |
Housing Deep Dive
What Does $300,000 Get You?
A starter home or condo, likely 1-2 bedrooms. You'll be below the median price point.
Median home price: $360,000
A starter home or condo, likely 1-2 bedrooms. You'll be below the median price point.
Median home price: $380,000
What Does $500,000 Get You?
A comfortable 3 bedroom home in a solid neighborhood, potentially with recent updates.
Median home price: $360,000
A comfortable 3 bedroom home in a solid neighborhood, potentially with recent updates.
Median home price: $380,000
What Does $800,000 Get You?
A large 3-4 bedroom home in a good neighborhood with modern finishes and a nice yard.
Median home price: $360,000
A large 3-4 bedroom home in a good neighborhood with modern finishes and a nice yard.
Median home price: $380,000
Lifestyle & Culture
Charlotte, NC
America's second-largest banking center with a booming population, Southern hospitality, and proximity to both mountains and beaches. A transplant city where almost nobody is from Charlotte — making it easy for newcomers to fit in.
Raleigh, NC
Part of the Research Triangle with a booming tech industry, excellent universities, and mild weather. One of America's fastest-growing cities with a strong food scene and affordable living.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Charlotte, NC
- Property Tax: State income tax rate of 4.75% affects take-home pay
- Utilities: Average $145/month (below national average)
- Commuting: Higher — car-dependent city means gas, insurance, and maintenance costs add up
Raleigh, NC
- Property Tax: State income tax rate of 4.75% affects take-home pay
- Utilities: Average $140/month (below national average)
- Commuting: Higher — car-dependent city means gas, insurance, and maintenance costs add up
Job Market Comparison
Charlotte, NC
- • Bank of America
- • Atrium Health
- • Wells Fargo
- • Duke Energy
- • Honeywell
Raleigh, NC
- • WakeMed
- • Duke Health (nearby)
- • NC State University
- • Cisco Systems
- • Red Hat/IBM
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