Relocating to a new city is a big decision that requires thoughtful consideration. Charlotte, NC, and Cleveland, OH, are two diverse and vibrant cities with their own unique offerings. This examination will compare the two cities across various aspects including crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and more to provide insightful aspects for both potential residents and tourists.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Cleveland, OH : 435.9 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 139%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Cleveland has decreased by 110,412 people (23.1%) during that time.
Charlotte, North Carolina, is safer than only 14% of U.S. cities, indicating a higher crime rate compared to other cities. On the flip side, Cleveland, with a safety score even lower than Charlotte, ranks safer than only 2% of U.S. cities. While both cities might have crime statistics that raise a concern, it's also indicative of cities with larger populations. Safety precautions should be taken seriously in both cities.
Cost of Living
When it comes to cost of living, Charlotte is slightly more expensive than Cleveland. The overall cost of living index in Charlotte is 98, which is below the national index, whereas in Cleveland it's 72, significantly below the national average. Groceries, housing, transportation, and healthcare are cheaper in Cleveland, making it a more budget-friendly choice.
Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat state income tax of 5.25%, and there is no additional city tax in Charlotte. On contrast, Ohio's state income tax ranges from 1.98% to 4.797%, and Cleveland charges a 2.5% city income tax.
Property Tax
The property tax rate in Charlotte is lower than in Cleveland. The average effective property tax rate in Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, is 0.83%, compared to Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located, with an average rate of 2.03%.
Sales Tax
The combined sales tax rate for Charlotte is about 7.25%, while it's 8% in Cleveland. Considering state and local taxes, the total sales tax is lower in Charlotte.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$35,562
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$24,093
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
94.3
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $50,590 in Cleveland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte is nestled in the piedmont region, close to the Appalachian Mountains and a few hours from the Atlantic Ocean. Its terrain is characterized by rolling hills. Cleveland is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie and is relatively flat with areas of gentle rolling hills.
Both cities boast highly ranked academic institutions. Charlotte is home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, amongst other institutions. Cleveland meanwhile, is home to Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and more. However, in terms of public school education, Charlotte’s public schools perform slightly better than those in Cleveland.
Charlotte has a thriving economy with a lower unemployment rate compared to Cleveland. The primary industries in Charlotte include financial services, healthcare, and motorsports, with large employers such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Cleveland's economy is more traditionally manufacturing-based, though healthcare and education are significant sectors here.
Biggest Employers
Many of Charlotte's major employers are in the banking and healthcare sectors, with Bank of America and Atrium Health at the forefront. Meanwhile, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals are Cleveland’s biggest employers. These cities can offer robust job opportunities in these sectors.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 29.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
2020
66.8%
66.5%
31.6%
32.4%
1.6%
1.1%
2016
62.3%
65.5%
32.9%
30.3%
4.8%
4.1%
2012
60.8%
69.7%
38.3%
29.7%
0.9%
0.5%
2008
62.0%
69.1%
37.6%
30.1%
0.5%
0.8%
2004
51.7%
66.6%
48.0%
32.9%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
48.4%
62.9%
51.1%
33.6%
0.5%
3.5%
1996
48.6%
60.8%
45.9%
29.1%
5.5%
10.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
0.4%
19.0%
3.0%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
28.6%
1.8%
11.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
1.6%
1.1%
3.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.6%
1.3%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
1.1%
1.8%
3.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.9%
0.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.5%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
1.4%
0.9%
4.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
1.2%
1.4%
Weather
Weather-wise, Charlotte enjoys a milder and more pleasant climate than Cleveland. While summers can get quite hot, winters in Charlotte are typically more temperate. Cleveland, on the other hand, experiences a full range of seasons with hot summers and cold, snowy winters typical to the Midwest. This could make Charlotte more attractive to visitors and prospective residents averse to cold climates.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Temperature - Average
61°F
50.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
38.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
115.9 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
11.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
51.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
22%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Cleveland, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
Charlotte
Cleveland
2018
75
85
0.24
0.26
6.3
11.3
27.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
15.5
22.7
8.2
9.3
0.2
0.6
2017
77
82
0.25
0.27
7.0
11.4
28.0
27.6
N/A
N/A
16.3
23.2
8.8
8.2
0.2
0.5
2016
82
81
0.25
0.27
7.6
11.1
28.7
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.4
8.4
9.9
0.2
1.0
2015
76
76
0.25
0.27
8.1
12.9
27.6
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.5
8.6
8.0
0.2
1.9
2014
76
83
0.26
0.25
8.5
12.3
26.3
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.4
9.3
10.6
0.3
1.7
2013
71
88
0.29
0.24
8.4
12.9
25.5
23.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.3
8.6
12.0
0.3
1.9
2012
95
119
0.28
0.28
8.7
13.7
27.3
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.0
9.7
15.2
0.3
2.5
2011
94
110
0.34
0.29
10.1
15.3
28.9
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.7
11.2
16.1
0.6
3.4
2010
97
113
0.33
0.35
11.8
15.8
28.0
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.2
11.6
18.7
1.0
3.6
2009
82
67
0.30
0.37
10.0
17.1
25.4
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.5
11.1
N/A
0.9
3.7
2008
102
87
0.32
0.29
11.2
15.2
27.6
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.1
13.0
N/A
2.1
4.2
2007
108
94
0.37
0.29
13.9
18.1
29.1
32.9
0.001
N/A
N/A
30.3
14.5
N/A
3.0
5.2
2006
107
75
0.44
0.25
13.9
16.2
27.3
27.7
0.000
N/A
N/A
27.3
14.8
N/A
3.3
5.0
2005
109
98
0.53
0.27
14.6
19.2
30.6
28.6
0.000
N/A
N/A
31.7
15.2
N/A
2.7
5.7
2004
89
77
0.53
0.47
14.6
19.5
28.9
20.1
0.001
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
N/A
2.8
3.8
2003
85
81
0.57
0.49
15.6
19.6
27.6
25.8
0.003
N/A
N/A
28.3
N/A
N/A
3.0
5.7
2002
103
95
0.63
0.40
15.3
19.8
32.6
28.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
32.5
N/A
N/A
2.7
5.1
2001
108
91
0.72
0.43
17.5
21.1
32.3
28.4
0.005
N/A
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
3.9
5.9
2000
107
79
0.79
0.48
18.0
20.5
32.6
25.2
0.014
N/A
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
4.4
5.8
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
93%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
50.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
16%
Transportation
Both cities offer multiple public transportation options. Charlotte has a light rail system, a bus system, and biking options. Cleveland offers buses, a health line, light rail, and biking routes as well. However, both cities are spread out, and owning a car can provide more convenience in commuting.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
439
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Bicycle
0.1%
0.2%
Bus
1.2%
3.5%
Carpooled
8.7%
7.7%
Car alone
86.2%
83.1%
Railroad
0.4%
0.1%
Streetcar
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.5%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Average
29.6 min
28.9 min
Other means
24.9 min
23.2 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
42.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
90%
87.9%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Charlotte is pricier than in Cleveland. The median home cost in Charlotte is above the national median, while in Cleveland, it’s significantly below. However, the real estate market in Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing in the country, offering prospective homeowners a good investment opportunity.
Neighborhoods
Each city has a variety of diverse neighborhoods. Charlotte's neighborhoods like Myers Park and Eastover are known for their affluent historical residences, while NoDa is known for its vibrant arts scene. Cleveland's neighborhoods like Tremont and Ohio City are rich with historic character and have seen significant revitalization efforts.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Houses
393,631
202,735
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1998
1946
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
17.5 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
171,321 (84.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
67,039 (39.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
104,282 (60.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$1,284
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$754
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$86,306
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$83,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$104,861
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
$81,957
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$250,787
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$156,467
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$40,340
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$125,938
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$105,403
Median house age
26
80
Renting percentage
42.6%
55.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
2,613.2
House value disparities
33.3%
41.6%
Household income disparities
44.1%
48.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$61,885
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$42,551
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
2,325 (6.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
2,348 (6.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
34,401 (93.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
166 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
3,335 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
19
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
8.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Cleveland
One, detached
52.7%
48.7%
One, attached
9.1%
5.6%
Two
0.9%
14.7%
3 or 4
2.9%
5.2%
5 to 9
7.1%
5.0%
10 to 19
9.5%
3.8%
20 to 49
6.2%
3.3%
50 or more
10.3%
13.1%
Mobile homes
1.4%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
7,246
State government workers
16,519
2,212
Unpaid family workers
1,214
328
Industries and Occupations
In Charlotte, the banking industry reigns with Bank of America's headquarters and significant operations from Wells Fargo. Besides banking, other thriving industries include healthcare, retail trade, and construction. On the other hand, Cleveland has a more diversified economy with healthcare, manufacturing, education, and professional and business services as its main economic drivers.
Healthcare in both towns is robust. Charlotte boasts some of the nation's top health institutions like Atrium Health, and Cleveland is home to the globally recognized healthcare facility, Cleveland Clinic. Irrespective of the city, healthcare services of high quality can be expected.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have invested in their infrastructure. Charlotte is known for its impressive skyline and integrated neighborhoods. Cleveland, on the other hand, has made significant investments in developing the city's lakefront area and downtown revitalization. Both cities offer a quality urban living experience with modern amenities and services.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Cleveland
Hospitals
37
30
TV stations
16
16
Arenas or stadiums
3
4
Bank branches located here
202
116
Bank institutions located here
26
17
Main business address for public companies
33
31
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Charlotte
Cleveland
1999
3,049
1,871
2000
1,568
2,587
2001
1,382
2,077
2002
1,275
1,561
2003
1,879
1,242
2004
2,415
1,561
2005
3,078
3,297
2006
3,864
3,951
2007
3,106
2,211
2008
1,287
482
2009
617
184
Culture and Food
Both Charlotte and Cleveland have vibrant cultures, offering rich arts scenes, music, and food. Charlotte's southern charm is reflected in its food and traditions, boasting everything from traditional southern barbecue to modern gastronomic experiences. Cleveland, on the other hand, celebrates a diverse culinary scene influenced by its immigrant roots, and houses the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra.
Sports Teams
Both cities have a passionate sports culture. Charlotte is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Cleveland is home to the MLB's Cleveland Indians, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, and NFL's Cleveland Browns. Each city takes huge pride in their home teams, making sports a significant part of their cultural identity.
Charlotte, NC
Cleveland, OH
Charlotte, NC and 
Cleveland, OH : 435.9 miles
