70
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 1–1 overall (70/100)
💰 Charlotte is more affordable
💼 Raleigh has lower unemployment
🛡️ Charlotte has fewer disasters
📋 Charlotte vs Raleigh — The Verdict
It's a close call — Charlotte (70.8/100) and Raleigh (70.2/100) each win 1 categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Charlotte edges out with slightly lower home prices.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Charlotte are 10% lower — a difference of $34,200 in median home value.
💵
Households in Raleigh earn $4,561 more per year (6% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$312,800
$347,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,399
$1,371
Median Income
$74,070
$78,631
Charlotte edges out Raleigh on housing costs by 10%, a difference of $34,200. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
3.9%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
22 Good
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
12
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
High
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Charlotte to Raleigh: Common Questions
Is Charlotte or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Charlotte is more affordable overall. Home prices are $34,200 lower in Charlotte. Monthly rent is $1,371 in Raleigh vs $1,399 in Charlotte.
Does Charlotte or Raleigh have better weather?
Charlotte scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Charlotte or Raleigh better for finding a job?
Raleigh currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.9% in Charlotte vs 3.9% in Raleigh. Median household income is $74,070 in Charlotte and $78,631 in Raleigh.
Which city is safer — Charlotte or Raleigh?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Charlotte is safer. Charlotte has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Raleigh. Charlotte scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Raleigh.
Should I move from Charlotte to Raleigh?
Based on our data, Charlotte scores 70.8/100 vs Raleigh's 70.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Raleigh is more affordable, while Charlotte has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.