Raleigh vs Charlotte
North Carolina Triangle vs banking hub
MapsToIt comparison snapshot
Raleigh or Charlotte — which fits a move?
Raleigh, NC vs Charlotte, NC is a common relocator matchup (north carolina triangle vs banking hub). Charlotte posts the lower MapsToIt housing cost index (114 vs 117; 100 = U.S. avg), with median homes near $351,500 versus $377,800. Raleigh shows the higher median household income ($82,424), while Raleigh edges the shorter average commute (24 vs 26 minutes).
Side-by-side metrics
Figures use the same ACS housing index, BLS unemployment, FBI rates, and NOAA normals as each city profile — shown against U.S. / catalog baselines.
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Charlotte, NC | U.S. / catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 886,283 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $78,438 | $78,538 Near national average |
| Median home value | $377,800 | $351,500 | $303,400 25% above national average |
| Median rent | $1,468 | $1,504 | $1,348 9% above national average |
| Housing cost index | 117 | 114 | 100 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 3.6% | 4.2% County LAUS rate, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 24 min | 26 min | 25 min Near national average |
| Violent crime rate | 255.7 / 100k | 739.4 / 100k | 602.7 / 100k Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 1783.1 / 100k | 3925.8 / 100k | 3084.9 / 100k Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 247 days | 253 days | 266 days 7% below national average |
| Summer high | 89°F | 89°F | 87°F NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 33°F | 34°F | 34°F NOAA normals · nearest station |
When should you pick Raleigh?
Choose Raleigh when you prioritize its specific mix: housing index 117, median rent $1,468, unemployment 3.0%, and 89°F summer highs.
When should you pick Charlotte?
Choose Charlotte when that profile fits better: housing index 114, median rent $1,504, unemployment 3.6%, and 89°F summer highs.
Short verdict
Short verdict: pick Charlotte if housing cost is the binding constraint; pick Raleigh if you are optimizing for higher local incomes and can absorb the 3-point housing-index gap. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.