Charlotte, North Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts, are two vibrant American cities, each offering a unique lifestyle and diverse opportunities. While Charlotte provides a comfortable rural-urban mix with a lower cost of living and warmer weather, Boston is a bustling and historic metropolis with top-tier education and healthcare facilities. This comparison provides crucial insights into various facets of life in both cities to facilitate informed decisions for potential relocators or tourists.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Boston, MA : 718.1 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 34%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Boston has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) during that time.
There's a higher crime rate in Charlotte compared to Boston. This includes both violent and property crimes. However, it should be noted that crime rates vary substantially across different neighborhoods in both cities. Boston's crime rate has steadily decreased over the past decade, with a particularly noticeable decline in violent crimes. In contrast, Charlotte has seen a slight increase in crime, but again, these figures vary within the city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is significantly lower in Charlotte compared to Boston. This cost difference extends to housing, eating out, groceries, and transportation. While wages may be slightly lower in Charlotte, they are often well-aligned with the cost of living, making the city an attractive relocation option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
Income Tax
Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate of 5%, while North Carolina has a slightly higher flat rate of 5.25%. This difference, while seemingly small, can have a significant impact on high-earners.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both cities can be a significant cost for homeowners. Boston has a lower property tax rate than Charlotte, which makes owning property somewhat less expensive in Boston, despite the higher real-estate prices.
Sales Tax
The sales tax is slightly higher in Charlotte at 7.25% compared to Boston's 6.25%. These taxes apply across most goods and services. The extra revenue generated in Charlotte is used for public infrastructure and services projects.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$79,283
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$50,337
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
143.8
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $77,146 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Boston is located on the eastern seaboard, offering great beaches and coastal activities. It's also close to mountains for winter sports. Charlotte is land-locked, but closer to the Appalachian Mountains, allowing for hiking and nature activities. Both cities are fairly green and prioritize public outdoor spaces.
Boston has a strong reputation in education, boasting several world-renowned universities such as Harvard and MIT. The public school system is also highly rated. Charlotte's education system is robust, with good public and private school options and decent colleges, but does not compete with the reputation and quality of Boston's institutions.
Both cities have strong economies but in different sectors. Boston's economy is driven by education, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Charlotte, known as the second-largest banking city in the U.S. after New York, also has a strong presence in energy, automotive, and healthcare industries.
Biggest Employers
Boston's major employers come from a diverse field of sectors: Partners HealthCare, University of Massachusetts, and State Street Corp. In Charlotte, the largest employers are Wells Fargo, Carolinas Healthcare System, and Bank of America.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Boston
2020
66.8%
80.6%
31.6%
17.5%
1.6%
1.9%
2016
62.3%
78.5%
32.9%
16.1%
4.8%
5.4%
2012
60.8%
77.4%
38.3%
20.8%
0.9%
1.8%
2008
62.0%
76.9%
37.6%
21.2%
0.5%
1.8%
2004
51.7%
75.9%
48.0%
22.8%
0.3%
1.3%
2000
48.4%
71.5%
51.1%
20.5%
0.5%
8.0%
1996
48.6%
73.0%
45.9%
19.9%
5.5%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Boston
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
0.6%
19.0%
6.9%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
46.1%
1.8%
12.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
1.2%
1.1%
8.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.0%
1.3%
4.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.0%
1.8%
0.7%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.1%
1.9%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.5%
4.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.1%
1.2%
2.4%
Weather
When it comes to weather, Boston's climate is diverse, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. It receives a high amount of snowfall during winter. Contrarily, Charlotte enjoys a warmer subtropical climate with moderate winters and hot, humid summers. This weather differential means that while Bostonians might be shoveling snow, residents in Charlotte are likely enjoying comparatively mild conditions.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Temperature - Average
61°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
23.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
78%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
46.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
88.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
16.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
48%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Charlotte
Charlotte
Boston
Charlotte
Boston
2018
75
76
0.24
0.24
6.3
12.3
27.8
26.1
N/A
N/A
15.5
N/A
8.2
9.2
0.2
0.5
2017
77
83
0.25
0.26
7.0
12.5
28.0
26.4
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
8.8
8.9
0.2
0.6
2016
82
75
0.25
0.27
7.6
14.1
28.7
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
7.4
0.2
0.5
2015
76
81
0.25
0.30
8.1
15.7
27.6
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.9
0.2
0.8
2014
76
76
0.26
0.30
8.5
14.0
26.3
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
9.3
0.3
1.2
2013
71
86
0.29
0.30
8.4
13.5
25.5
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
9.8
0.3
1.3
2012
95
89
0.28
0.29
8.7
11.8
27.3
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
9.5
0.3
1.4
2011
94
87
0.34
0.30
10.1
14.8
28.9
24.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
10.5
0.6
1.6
2010
97
92
0.33
0.26
11.8
13.8
28.0
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
10.0
1.0
2.3
2009
82
86
0.30
0.32
10.0
15.3
25.4
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.7
0.9
2.4
2008
102
96
0.32
0.26
11.2
16.6
27.6
22.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
12.4
2.1
3.8
2007
108
124
0.37
0.28
13.9
18.5
29.1
19.9
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
13.9
3.0
4.0
2006
107
103
0.44
0.38
13.9
15.8
27.3
20.9
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
12.5
3.3
3.5
2005
109
115
0.53
0.28
14.6
17.0
30.6
22.1
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
12.7
2.7
4.3
2004
89
104
0.53
0.26
14.6
15.6
28.9
22.5
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.7
2.8
4.6
2003
85
116
0.57
0.55
15.6
20.1
27.6
22.4
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
3.0
5.2
2002
103
130
0.63
0.35
15.3
19.8
32.6
21.8
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
2.7
5.0
2001
108
112
0.72
0.44
17.5
19.9
32.3
20.7
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
3.9
5.9
2000
107
88
0.79
0.57
18.0
18.8
32.6
19.2
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
4.4
5.6
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
55.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
26.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
33%
Transportation
Boston's public transportation system is comprehensive and efficient, with a well-connected subway system and buses. Commutes can be long due to traffic. Charlotte's public transit is less developed, but the city is car-friendly, and many people commute by driving. However, traffic can also be a concern here.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Amtrak stations
1
3
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
439
224
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Bicycle
0.1%
1.7%
Bus
1.2%
7.1%
Carpooled
8.7%
6.8%
Car alone
86.2%
54.7%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.4%
0.5%
Streetcar
0%
13.5%
Subway
0%
3.2%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.4%
Walked
1.5%
10%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Average
29.6 min
38.6 min
Other means
24.9 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
38.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
90%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices are significantly higher in Boston than in Charlotte, with a higher cost per square foot. Boston's historic districts and central city locations come with a higher price tag. Charlotte offers more bang for your buck when it comes to real estate, with more affordable housing options.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a range of neighborhoods for different lifestyles. Boston has historic districts like Beacon Hill and trendy areas like Seaport. Charlotte boasts upscale neighborhoods like Myers Park and hip, vibrant areas like NoDa.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Houses
393,631
307,025
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1998
1957
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
14.6 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
271,941 (88.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
94,497 (34.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
177,444 (65.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$2,632
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$1,883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$1,040,328
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$659,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
5.4
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$683,896
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
$639,493
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$745,440
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$986,433
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$117,668
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$793,380
Median house age
26
73
Renting percentage
42.6%
66.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
6,340.1
House value disparities
33.3%
23.5%
Household income disparities
44.1%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$138,364
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$97,179
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
1,250 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
7,686 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
67,144 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
218 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
9,540 (13.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Boston
One, detached
52.7%
12.0%
One, attached
9.1%
6.4%
Two
0.9%
11.9%
3 or 4
2.9%
24.1%
5 to 9
7.1%
11.2%
10 to 19
9.5%
7.2%
20 to 49
6.2%
8.0%
50 or more
10.3%
19.0%
Mobile homes
1.4%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
11,605
State government workers
16,519
12,810
Unpaid family workers
1,214
303
Industries and Occupations
Banking and finance dominate Charlotte's job market with companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The healthcare and motorsports industry also provide many jobs. Meanwhile, Boston's economy is more diverse, with education, healthcare, finance, and tech being the top industries.
Boston is a world leader in healthcare with top-tier medical institutions like Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Charlotte also offers good healthcare facilities, with systems like Atrium Health and Novant Health, but can't meet the healthcare prestige offered by Boston.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Boston
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities boast modern infrastructures with continuous improvements being made. Boston, due to its age and historic significance, has many older buildings and infrastructure, but also a number of modern developments. Charlotte, being a newer city, has more modern infrastructure overall.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Boston
Hospitals
37
22
TV stations
16
22
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
202
146
Bank institutions located here
26
37
Main business address for public companies
33
60
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Charlotte
Boston
1999
3,049
1,237
2000
1,568
1,140
2001
1,382
947
2002
1,275
975
2003
1,879
1,536
2004
2,415
2,273
2005
3,078
3,225
2006
3,864
3,567
2007
3,106
2,652
2008
1,287
1,372
2009
617
910
Culture and Food
Boston is known for its rich history, international cuisine, and cultural institutions. The food scene ranges from fresh seafood to Italian cuisine in the North End. Charlotte's culture is a blend of southern charm and modern metropolitan. Its food scene is diversifying but is traditionally known for BBQ and Southern comfort cuisine.
Sports Teams
Boston boasts numerous successful professional sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Boston Bruins. Charlotte has the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, but they don't quite share the same level of historic success as Boston's teams.
Charlotte, NC
Boston, MA
Charlotte, NC and 
Boston, MA : 718.1 miles
