Comparing Charlotte, North Carolina, and Cincinnati, Ohio, provides a captivating insights into two drastically different but equally charming lifestyles. As one embarks on the task of comparing these two dynamic cities, a variety of factors, from crime rates to healthcare, come to light. The comparison reveals the distinct characteristics and the unique offers each city has for both residents and tourists.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Cincinnati, OH : 338.4 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 185%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Cincinnati has decreased by 22,350 people (6.7%) during that time.
Both Charlotte and Cincinnati face their challenges concerning crime. Cincinnati's crime rate is higher than the Ohio average but lower than Charlotte's. However, Charlotte's police department is actively working on generating safer communities. For tourists, central areas and popular sights in both cities are generally safe, but it's always advised to maintain usual precautions, especially at night.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Charlotte is slightly higher than in Cincinnati. However, salary scales and the job market are often proportionate to the cost of living. While housing is more expensive in Charlotte, other expenses like groceries or health care can be cheaper than in Cincinnati.
Income Tax
North Carolina applies a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%. Ohio, on the other hand, has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 0% to 4.797%.
Property Tax
Homeowners in Cincinnati tend to pay higher property taxes than those in Charlotte. Cincinnati's higher property tax rates help fund local services and schools.
Sales Tax
North Carolina has a combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.25%, compared to Ohio's 7.8%. This difference may influence purchasing decisions, especially for big-ticket items.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$42,733
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$34,519
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
89
If you make $50,000 in Cincinnati, you will have to make $52,360 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte is located in the Piedmont region, close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it ideal for nature aficionados. Cincinnati lies on the north bank of the Ohio River, offering a beautiful riverfront with parks and recreational opportunities.
Both cities showcase robust education systems. Charlotte is home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a rapidly growing research institution, while Cincinnati boasts of the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. Moreover, Cincinnati's public school system rating outperforms Charlotte's public schools.
Charlotte's economy is primarily driven by banking and finance, with the city being the second-largest banking center in the U.S. Cincinnati, however, has a balanced economy with strong sectors in manufacturing, trade, and education.
Biggest Employers
In Charlotte, Bank of America and Wells Fargo are among the biggest employers. Cincinnati hosts nine Fortune 500 companies, including Kroger, Procter & Gamble, and Macy's.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Cincinnati (Hamilton County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 46.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
2020
66.8%
57.2%
31.6%
41.3%
1.6%
1.5%
2016
62.3%
52.8%
32.9%
42.5%
4.8%
4.8%
2012
60.8%
52.7%
38.3%
46.4%
0.9%
0.9%
2008
62.0%
53.1%
37.6%
46.1%
0.5%
0.7%
2004
51.7%
47.3%
48.0%
52.7%
0.3%
0.0%
2000
48.4%
42.8%
51.1%
54.1%
0.5%
3.1%
1996
48.6%
43.1%
45.9%
50.1%
5.5%
6.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
1.2%
19.0%
6.5%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
25.6%
1.8%
12.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
1.3%
1.1%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.1%
1.3%
3.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.6%
1.8%
1.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.9%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.5%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
0.9%
1.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.2%
1.2%
0.6%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
1.8%
0.1%
1.1%
Weather
When it comes to weather, Charlotte offers a subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool, mild winters. Cincinnati, on the other hand, experiences a humid continental climate having hot, muggy summers and cold, dry winters. Cincinnati also sees more snowfall compared to Charlotte, which could be an appealing factor for winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Temperature - Average
61°F
52.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
45 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
47.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
13.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
57.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
33.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
33.9%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
9 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Cincinnati, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Charlotte
Cincinnati
2018
75
87
0.24
0.20
6.3
9.6
27.8
27.8
N/A
N/A
15.5
18.3
8.2
10.5
0.2
0.8
2017
77
81
0.25
0.23
7.0
8.5
28.0
29.2
N/A
N/A
16.3
18.8
8.8
9.2
0.2
1.1
2016
82
88
0.25
0.24
7.6
9.4
28.7
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.2
8.4
8.4
0.2
1.1
2015
76
91
0.25
0.26
8.1
11.0
27.6
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.5
8.6
9.5
0.2
1.5
2014
76
89
0.26
0.24
8.5
11.4
26.3
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.5
9.3
12.0
0.3
2.0
2013
71
92
0.29
0.24
8.4
11.5
25.5
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.9
8.6
11.9
0.3
2.6
2012
95
97
0.28
0.26
8.7
4.8
27.3
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.4
9.7
13.6
0.3
3.4
2011
94
102
0.34
0.26
10.1
12.9
28.9
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.1
11.2
13.1
0.6
4.0
2010
97
113
0.33
N/A
11.8
14.7
28.0
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.6
11.6
18.7
1.0
3.7
2009
82
77
0.30
N/A
10.0
14.4
25.4
25.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.6
11.1
8.2
0.9
2.2
2008
102
85
0.32
N/A
11.2
16.0
27.6
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
9.4
2.1
3.0
2007
108
100
0.37
N/A
13.9
17.1
29.1
30.2
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
12.7
3.0
4.0
2006
107
83
0.44
N/A
13.9
18.0
27.3
29.3
0.000
N/A
N/A
21.9
14.8
N/A
3.3
4.2
2005
109
110
0.53
0.49
14.6
20.6
30.6
30.9
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
N/A
2.7
5.6
2004
89
91
0.53
0.36
14.6
18.7
28.9
27.7
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
5.5
2003
85
86
0.57
0.33
15.6
21.9
27.6
27.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
4.9
2002
103
98
0.63
0.32
15.3
21.4
32.6
29.4
0.003
N/A
N/A
20.0
N/A
N/A
2.7
4.5
2001
108
102
0.72
0.41
17.5
21.4
32.3
29.4
0.005
N/A
N/A
22.9
N/A
N/A
3.9
5.0
2000
107
104
0.79
0.40
18.0
22.1
32.6
28.0
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
166.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
148.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
15%
Transportation
Charlotte supports a light rail system, buses, and shared bicycles for commuting, while Cincinnati offers buses, a streetcar system, and bike-sharing programs. Both cities are served by international airports.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
439
454
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
16
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Bicycle
0.1%
0.3%
Bus
1.2%
3.2%
Carpooled
8.7%
7.2%
Car alone
86.2%
84.7%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.3%
Walked
1.5%
3.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Average
29.6 min
26.9 min
Other means
24.9 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
90%
89.6%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
8.6%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Charlotte can be competitive, with a high demand for housing driving up prices. In contrast, Cincinnati offers more affordable housing options and a slower-paced market.
Neighborhoods
Charlotte neighborhoods like Myers Park and Eastover are known for their affluence and historic charm. Cincinnati offers a mix of vibrant communities such as Hyde Park and Mount Adams, which are popular for their walkability and local eateries.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Houses
393,631
160,420
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.1
Median year apartment built
1998
1961
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
13.7 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
144,929 (90.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
55,411 (38.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
89,518 (61.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$823.02
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$918
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$55,446
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$190,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$271,565
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
$236,559
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$378,023
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$288,600
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$76,176
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$269,604
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$273,493
Median house age
26
70
Renting percentage
42.6%
61.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
2,057.5
House value disparities
33.3%
42.9%
Household income disparities
44.1%
51.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$87,346
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$63,683
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
1,063 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
2,466 (6.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
36,710 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
116 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
3,803 (10.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
2.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Cincinnati
One, detached
52.7%
36.6%
One, attached
9.1%
4.9%
Two
0.9%
7.5%
3 or 4
2.9%
12.0%
5 to 9
7.1%
8.8%
10 to 19
9.5%
10.0%
20 to 49
6.2%
6.7%
50 or more
10.3%
13.2%
Mobile homes
1.4%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
6,809
State government workers
16,519
4,546
Unpaid family workers
1,214
42
Industries and Occupations
Charlotte boasts a large financial sector, with many occupations in banking and finance. Cincinnati, however, is more industrially diverse, featuring jobs in manufacturing, health care, and education.
When it comes to health care, both cities have strong systems. Charlotte's health care system includes the renowned Carolinas Medical Center. Cincinnati is home to the world-class Cincinnati Children's Hospital and University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Charlotte retains a modern and upwardly mobile landscape, accompanied by rapidly growing suburbs. Cincinnati showcases a mix of old and new, with historic architecture juxtaposed with contemporary structures.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Hospitals
37
46
TV stations
16
16
Arenas or stadiums
3
6
Bank branches located here
202
289
Bank institutions located here
26
35
Main business address for public companies
33
30
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
Cincinnati
1999
3,049
1,027
2000
1,568
1,294
2001
1,382
1,046
2002
1,275
978
2003
1,879
1,051
2004
2,415
1,275
2005
3,078
1,694
2006
3,864
1,584
2007
3,106
991
2008
1,287
436
2009
617
279
Culture and Food
Both cities host a rich culture and food scene. Charlotte is known for its Southern charm, historic landmarks, and BBQ cuisine. Cincinnati houses a vibrant arts scene, historic districts, and unique culinary delights like Cincinnati chili.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will enjoy both cities. Charlotte is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Cincinnati houses the NFL's Bengals and MLB's Reds.
Charlotte, NC
Cincinnati, OH
Charlotte, NC and 
Cincinnati, OH : 338.4 miles
