Charlotte, North Carolina, and Portland, Oregon, are two beautiful U.S cities each with its distinct charm. Both cities educate, engage, entertain, and develop their residents with varying degrees of success. However, they both have stark differences in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, economy, infrastructure, industries, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, taxation, culture, sporting activities, geographical conditions, and healthcare.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Portland, OR : 2,284.4 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 37%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Portland has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) during that time.
Charlotte has a higher crime rate than the national average, but it fluctuates widely by neighborhood. Non-violent crimes like theft are common, however, violent crimes are lower. In contrast, Portland's crime rate is similar to the national average, with property crimes being more common than violent crime. Both cities have strong police forces, but Portland has been known for civil unrest and protests, which could affect safety perception.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Portland is higher than in Charlotte. This difference can be majorly attributed to the cost of housing. Grocery, transportation, and healthcare costs are also higher in Portland compared to Charlotte.
Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%. Oregon's income tax is progressive, with rates from 4.75% up to 9.9%, making it one of the highest in the country.
Property Tax
In Charlotte, the average property tax rate is 1.31%, which is slightly below the national average. Portland's average property tax rate, at around 1.13%, is also below the national average but higher than many other places in Oregon due to additional local levies.
Sales Tax
North Carolina's state sales tax is 4.75% and Charlotte's county tax adds a further 2.25%, making a total of 7%. Oregon has no sales tax, so Portland residents enjoy tax-free shopping.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
106.5
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $57,135 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities are beautifully appointed with natural scenery. Charlotte is in the heart of the southeast and near the Appalachian Mountains, while Portland is nestled in the Pacific Northwest, close to the Pacific Ocean, and surrounded by mountain ranges.
Both cities value education but have different strengths. Charlotte is home to many universities with strong business and healthcare programs, while Portland's educational strengths lie within liberal arts and sustainability programs. Both Charlotte and Portland have good public school systems though Portland's system is considered more progressive.
Both cities have diverse economies, but Charlotte is known as a major banking center, second only to New York City in terms of assets. Portland, on the other hand, has a strong economy driven by manufacturing and technology, with a growing focus on green and sustainable industries.
Biggest Employers
Charlotte's biggest employers are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Atrium Health. Portland's largest employers are Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Oregon Health & Science University.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
2020
66.8%
79.2%
31.6%
17.9%
1.6%
2.9%
2016
62.3%
73.3%
32.9%
17.0%
4.8%
9.7%
2012
60.8%
75.4%
38.3%
20.6%
0.9%
4.0%
2008
62.0%
76.7%
37.6%
20.6%
0.5%
2.7%
2004
51.7%
71.6%
48.0%
27.1%
0.3%
1.3%
2000
48.4%
63.8%
51.1%
28.3%
0.5%
7.9%
1996
48.6%
59.2%
45.9%
26.3%
5.5%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
0.5%
19.0%
3.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
15.2%
1.8%
6.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.8%
1.1%
2.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.7%
1.3%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.9%
1.8%
4.0%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.9%
0.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
1.5%
3.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
2.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
1.2%
1.0%
Weather
Charlotte experiences a moderate climate with four unmistakable seasons including mild winters and hot, humid summers. Portland, however, has a more temperate climate with milder summers and cool, wet winters. You'll enjoy more rainy days in Portland than in Charlotte.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Temperature - Average
61°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
20%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Charlotte
Portland
Charlotte
Portland
2018
75
79
0.24
0.26
6.3
8.8
27.8
21.4
N/A
N/A
15.5
N/A
8.2
7.2
0.2
0.4
2017
77
93
0.25
0.26
7.0
8.7
28.0
22.6
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
8.8
7.1
0.2
0.4
2016
82
72
0.25
0.25
7.6
8.7
28.7
20.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
5.2
0.2
0.2
2015
76
91
0.25
0.28
8.1
9.2
27.6
20.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.4
0.2
0.5
2014
76
91
0.26
0.24
8.5
8.5
26.3
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
6.3
0.3
0.8
2013
71
85
0.29
0.29
8.4
9.6
25.5
17.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.6
0.3
1.1
2012
95
78
0.28
0.30
8.7
9.1
27.3
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
7.4
0.3
0.6
2011
94
89
0.34
0.34
10.1
9.4
28.9
18.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
8.1
0.6
0.8
2010
97
80
0.33
0.33
11.8
9.1
28.0
19.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
6.4
1.0
1.4
2009
82
95
0.30
0.32
10.0
10.2
25.4
20.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
8.4
0.9
1.6
2008
102
101
0.32
0.34
11.2
10.9
27.6
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
8.8
2.1
1.0
2007
108
101
0.37
0.35
13.9
11.4
29.1
18.1
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
8.8
3.0
1.3
2006
107
106
0.44
N/A
13.9
N/A
27.3
N/A
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
7.8
3.3
1.5
2005
109
96
0.53
N/A
14.6
N/A
30.6
N/A
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
8.9
2.7
1.7
2004
89
92
0.53
N/A
14.6
N/A
28.9
N/A
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
2.8
N/A
2003
85
77
0.57
N/A
15.6
N/A
27.6
N/A
0.003
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
3.0
N/A
2002
103
68
0.63
N/A
15.3
N/A
32.6
N/A
0.003
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
2.7
N/A
2001
108
73
0.72
N/A
17.5
N/A
32.3
N/A
0.005
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
3.9
N/A
2000
107
52
0.79
N/A
18.0
N/A
32.6
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
9%
Transportation
Portland is renowned for its well-functioning public transit system with buses, light rail, and streetcars, while Charlotte relies more on cars due to its dispersed layout but does have a growing light rail system. Portland also ranks high for its biking infrastructure, earning it the status of a 'bicycle-friendly' city.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
439
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Bicycle
0.1%
3.1%
Bus
1.2%
4.6%
Carpooled
8.7%
9.4%
Car alone
86.2%
76.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.4%
0.9%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.5%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Average
29.6 min
28.8 min
Other means
24.9 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
38.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
90%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Portland's real estate market is more expensive than Charlotte's. However, both cities offer a mix of urban and suburban living options. Charlotte is known for its beautiful, historic neighborhoods, while Portland is famous for its eclectic and diverse neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Charlotte neighborhoods offer a diverse range from trendy and upscale to family-friendly suburbs, with SouthPark, Ballantyne, and Myers Park being top choices. In contrast, Portland neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District, Sellwood, and Pearl District are loved for their unique cultural vibes and activities.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Houses
393,631
303,483
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1998
1976
Median year house/condo built
1993
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$1,917
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$1,535
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$520,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$568,464
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
$576,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$426,181
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$466,898
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$136,996
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$416,951
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$544,799
Median house age
26
56
Renting percentage
42.6%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
2,259.4
House value disparities
33.3%
23.1%
Household income disparities
44.1%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$122,948
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$72,663
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
12,832 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Portland
One, detached
52.7%
53.3%
One, attached
9.1%
5.7%
Two
0.9%
3.5%
3 or 4
2.9%
4.5%
5 to 9
7.1%
4.0%
10 to 19
9.5%
4.7%
20 to 49
6.2%
6.6%
50 or more
10.3%
16.2%
Mobile homes
1.4%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
25,437
State government workers
16,519
15,615
Unpaid family workers
1,214
688
Industries and Occupations
Charlotte's main industries are banking, healthcare, and motorsports, whereas Portland has a more diverse economy with strong sectors in technology, manufacturing, and creative services. Both cities offer a wide range of job opportunities but in different industries.
Both cities are well-served by healthcare facilities. Charlotte's notable institutions include the Carolinas Medical Center and Charlotte Treatment Center, while Portland features Legacy Health, Oregon Health & Science University, and Providence Portland Medical Centers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Charlotte's infrastructure is more modern with a range of amenities such as the Douglas International Airport, multiple interstates and highways, and light rail and bus systems. In contrast, Portland's infrastructure is focused on sustainability, with extensive public transit, bike lanes, and green building initiatives.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Portland
Hospitals
37
21
TV stations
16
18
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
202
208
Bank institutions located here
26
30
Main business address for public companies
33
32
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
Portland
1999
3,049
1,922
2000
1,568
1,651
2001
1,382
1,193
2002
1,275
1,235
2003
1,879
1,844
2004
2,415
2,651
2005
3,078
3,396
2006
3,864
3,510
2007
3,106
3,008
2008
1,287
1,465
2009
617
712
Culture and Food
Charlotte has a blend of Southern charm and modern city life, with museums, theaters, music venues, and a growing culinary scene. Portland, known as the "City of Roses," stands out with its vibrant culture, liberal atmosphere, and a food scene filled with an extensive range of international cuisines and craft breweries.
Sports Teams
Charlotte is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, while Portland boasts the NBA's Trail Blazers and the MLS's Portland Timbers. Both cities have passionate local sports fanbases.
Charlotte, NC
Portland, OR
