Charlotte, NC, on the southeastern coast, and El Paso, TX, in the arid southwest, present two markedly different living experiences. Both cities have unique cultures, lifestyles, and economic landscapes. This article takes into account both potential relocatees and tourists, to compare the two cities across several factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and more.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
El Paso, TX : 1,489.1 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 30%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of El Paso has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) during that time.
While both cities have areas of concern regarding crime, both are generally considered safe cities to live in. The crime rate in Charlotte, NC is slightly higher than the national average, especially in terms of property crimes. It's recommended to research specific neighborhoods before deciding on housing. El Paso, TX, on the other hand, is frequently recognized as one of the safest cities in America for its size, with a crime rate below the national average.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in El Paso, TX is more affordable than in Charlotte, NC. This includes aspects like housing, utilities, groceries, and healthcare. Factors that may influence this include the overall economic conditions of the area, as well as the relative abundance or scarcity of certain resources.
Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%. Texas, however, does not levy state income tax, which can result in significant savings for residents.
Property Tax
Property taxes also play a role in cost of living. North Carolina has a lower property tax rate compared to Texas, which has one of the highest rates in the country.
Sales Tax
When it comes to sales tax, North Carolina has a combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.5%, while Texas' combined rate is about 8.25%.
Income
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$51,241
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$25,670
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
82.2
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $56,691 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte's geography offers plentiful green spaces and proximity to both mountains and beach. El Paso has a stark desert beauty and is surrounded by mountains, offering impressive hiking opportunities.
As for education, both cities have some top-rated schools. Charlotte offers a robust public school system, alongside diverse higher education options including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. El Paso, while having a smaller educational landscape, boasts some high-quality school districts and higher education elements, like the University of Texas at El Paso.
Charlotte has a diverse economy, with sectors like finance, technology, and energy playing a substantial role. It's home to several Fortune 500 companies. El Paso, though smaller, has a stable economy typically centered around military, government, healthcare, and education.
Biggest Employers
Charlotte's biggest employers include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Atrium Health. In El Paso, the top employers are Fort Bliss, El Paso Independent School District, and University Medical Center of El Paso.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In El Paso (El Paso County), 65.5% voted for Democrats and 33.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
2020
66.8%
66.8%
31.6%
31.6%
1.6%
1.6%
2016
62.3%
69.1%
32.9%
26.0%
4.8%
4.9%
2012
60.8%
65.5%
38.3%
33.2%
0.9%
1.3%
2008
62.0%
66.0%
37.6%
33.4%
0.5%
0.6%
2004
51.7%
56.2%
48.0%
43.3%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
48.4%
57.9%
51.1%
39.8%
0.5%
2.3%
1996
48.6%
62.3%
45.9%
32.1%
5.5%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
3.3%
19.0%
26.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
43.2%
1.8%
11.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.0%
1.1%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.1%
1.3%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.1%
1.8%
1.0%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.9%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.5%
1.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.1%
1.2%
0.2%
Weather
Weather is a significant aspect that differentiates Charlotte from El Paso. Charlotte has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons that include hot summers and cool winters. However, weather can be unpredictable with potential for severe storms. El Paso is in a desert region and experiences hot summers and mild winters, with a great deal of sunshine year-round but little rainfall.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Temperature - Average
61°F
64.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
42.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
42.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
59.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
17%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
9.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
10.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
31.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
89.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
13.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
89.3%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
75.4%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
Charlotte
El Paso
2018
75
139
0.24
0.17
6.3
14.0
27.8
32.0
N/A
N/A
15.5
35.7
8.2
9.2
0.2
N/A
2017
77
173
0.25
0.19
7.0
13.0
28.0
30.5
N/A
N/A
16.3
40.4
8.8
9.5
0.2
0.5
2016
82
148
0.25
0.17
7.6
12.6
28.7
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
35.2
8.4
9.2
0.2
0.5
2015
76
112
0.25
0.18
8.1
12.7
27.6
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
8.6
8.0
0.2
0.5
2014
76
157
0.26
0.13
8.5
12.8
26.3
30.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
40.3
9.3
9.7
0.3
0.4
2013
71
211
0.29
0.23
8.4
14.1
25.5
30.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
43.9
8.6
10.8
0.3
0.4
2012
95
229
0.28
0.30
8.7
15.9
27.3
31.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
40.2
9.7
11.6
0.3
0.4
2011
94
221
0.34
0.23
10.1
15.9
28.9
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.7
11.2
11.6
0.6
0.5
2010
97
211
0.33
0.25
11.8
15.3
28.0
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.8
11.6
7.9
1.0
0.3
2009
82
117
0.30
0.23
10.0
15.4
25.4
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.6
11.1
8.3
0.9
0.3
2008
102
210
0.32
0.25
11.2
15.2
27.6
30.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
34.6
13.0
9.7
2.1
0.6
2007
108
134
0.37
0.28
13.9
13.9
29.1
30.6
0.001
0.019
N/A
40.5
14.5
8.4
3.0
0.4
2006
107
241
0.44
0.37
13.9
14.3
27.3
30.6
0.000
0.018
N/A
55.0
14.8
11.1
3.3
0.3
2005
109
159
0.53
0.43
14.6
13.1
30.6
29.6
0.000
0.013
N/A
44.5
15.2
9.6
2.7
0.6
2004
89
183
0.53
0.38
14.6
13.5
28.9
29.2
0.001
0.020
N/A
47.3
N/A
8.2
2.8
0.4
2003
85
278
0.57
0.46
15.6
15.5
27.6
29.5
0.003
0.039
N/A
60.4
N/A
10.8
3.0
0.6
2002
103
203
0.63
0.43
15.3
16.4
32.6
30.5
0.003
0.034
N/A
53.3
N/A
11.0
2.7
0.4
2001
108
139
0.72
0.51
17.5
15.5
32.3
28.7
0.005
0.046
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
3.9
0.7
2000
107
145
0.79
0.67
18.0
17.8
32.6
27.8
0.014
0.072
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
4.4
1.0
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
4.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
524.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
11%
Transportation
Charlotte has a diverse range of public transportation options, including buses, a light rail system, and bike sharing programs. Commute times are average for a city of its size. El Paso has bus and trolley systems and is known for its lower than average commute times.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
439
331
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Bicycle
0.1%
0.3%
Bus
1.2%
1.3%
Carpooled
8.7%
11.2%
Car alone
86.2%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.5%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Average
29.6 min
25.1 min
Other means
24.9 min
22.2 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
90%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.7%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Charlotte is more expensive than El Paso. Homes appreciate in value faster in Charlotte, providing potential for a better return on investment. El Paso has lower home prices, enabling a more affordable entry into homeownership.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods with unique characters. Uptown Charlotte is known for its walkability, dining, and nightlife. Plaza Midwood attracts with its historic charm. In El Paso, Kern Place is popular for its proximity to entertainment, while Sunset Heights offers historic architecture.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Houses
393,631
261,779
Average household size (people)
2.5
3
Median year apartment built
1998
1982
Median year house/condo built
1993
1985
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
14.7 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
242,529 (92.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
147,788 (60.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
94,741 (39.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$570.82
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$939
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$227,007
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$152,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$187,761
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$75,782
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$266,003
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$43,095
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$149,459
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$186,951
Median house age
26
38
Renting percentage
42.6%
39.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
1,051
House value disparities
33.3%
32.7%
Household income disparities
44.1%
46.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$74,665
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$52,954
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
1,889 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
2,956 (3.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
84,973 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
250 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
3,635 (4.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
El Paso
One, detached
52.7%
67.7%
One, attached
9.1%
4.4%
Two
0.9%
2.4%
3 or 4
2.9%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.1%
5.9%
10 to 19
9.5%
5.8%
20 to 49
6.2%
2.4%
50 or more
10.3%
4.8%
Mobile homes
1.4%
2.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
19,650
State government workers
16,519
12,525
Unpaid family workers
1,214
901
Industries and Occupations
In Charlotte, careers in finance, healthcare, and retail are common, with the city being the second-largest banking center in the United States. El Paso's economy is largely driven by jobs in healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and education services.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare facilities. Charlotte boasts facilities like Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center. El Paso is home to University Medical Center of El Paso, serving as the only Level 1 Trauma Center in a 280-mile radius.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Urban planning has played significant roles in both cities. Charlotte has invested in infrastructure and public spaces, which includes a broad park system. El Paso has taken measures to preserve its natural beauty while incorporating modern amenities and infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
El Paso
Hospitals
37
41
TV stations
16
10
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
202
89
Bank institutions located here
26
19
Main business address for public companies
33
7
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Charlotte
El Paso
1999
3,049
1,994
2000
1,568
993
2001
1,382
704
2002
1,275
594
2003
1,879
1,268
2004
2,415
1,646
2005
3,078
2,316
2006
3,864
2,701
2007
3,106
2,051
2008
1,287
1,034
2009
617
454
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities are distinct. Charlotte, known as a southern city, offers excellent food, art, and culture scenes. El Paso, with its Mexican influence, is renowned for its Tex-Mex cuisine and vibrant cultural festivals.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy living in either city. Charlotte, NC hosts the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and NASCAR events. El Paso, while not home to major league teams, boasts Triple-A baseball El Paso Chihuahuas and USL Championship football team, El Paso Locomotive FC.
Charlotte, NC
El Paso, TX
Charlotte, NC and 
El Paso, TX : 1,489.1 miles
