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
💼 Charlotte has lower unemployment
🛡️ Charlotte has fewer disasters
📋 Raleigh vs Charlotte — The Verdict
It's a close call — Raleigh (70.2/100) and Charlotte (70.8/100) 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
$347,000
$312,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,371
$1,399
Median Income
$78,631
$74,070
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)
23 Good
22 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)
12
10
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Raleigh to Charlotte: Common Questions
Is Raleigh or Charlotte 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 Raleigh or Charlotte have better weather?
Charlotte scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Raleigh or Charlotte better for finding a job?
Charlotte currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.9% in Raleigh vs 3.9% in Charlotte. Median household income is $78,631 in Raleigh and $74,070 in Charlotte.
Which city is safer — Raleigh or Charlotte?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Charlotte is safer. Raleigh has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Charlotte. Raleigh scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Charlotte.
Should I move from Raleigh to Charlotte?
Based on our data, Charlotte scores 70.8/100 vs Raleigh's 70.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Charlotte is more affordable, while Charlotte has a better climate.
Planning to move from Raleigh to Charlotte?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.