Comparing Charlotte, NC and Sacramento, CA reveals that each city has its unique strengths and attractions. Relocators and tourists alike will find distinct characteristics in the fields of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, educational opportunities, economic situation, infrastructure, key industries, real estate markets, neighborhoods, transportation options, taxes, culture and cuisine, sports, geography, and healthcare support. Understanding these factors will ensure an informed decision in selecting a city that best suits your needs.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Sacramento, CA : 2,239.5 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 68%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
In general, Charlotte, NC is regarded as safer compared to Sacramento, CA. While no urban area is completely free of crime, Charlotte's crime rates is lower than Sacramento. Nonetheless, safety can vary by neighborhoods within each city, hence, a closer look at the particular area you're interested in is advisable.
Cost of Living
Overall, Sacramento's cost of living is generally higher than Charlotte's, especially when it comes to housing costs. Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare are also mildly higher in Sacramento than in Charlotte. Those considering a move should weigh these factors against their personal financial considerations.
Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat state income tax of 5.25%, while California has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. This could significantly affect take-home pay for workers considering relocation.
Property Tax
When it comes to property tax, the rates in Charlotte are generally lower than in Sacramento, which could be a significant factor for those considering buying a home in either of these cities.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Sacramento, at 8.75%, is considerably higher than Charlotte's rate of approximately 7.25%. This could impact the daily cost of goods and services for both locals and tourists.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $55,204 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte is located inland and features a greener landscape with rolling hills. Sacramento, on the other hand, is near California's famous wine country and the Sierra Nevada, offering both urban and natural exploring opportunities.
Both cities have robust educational systems. Charlotte's school district often ranks among the top in North Carolina, and the area is home to numerous institutions of higher learning including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Sacramento also offers a variety of educational choices and hosts several prestigious colleges and universities such as California State University, Sacramento.
Charlotte has a strong economy driven by the banking and financial services sector, with Wells Fargo and Bank of America being key employers in the city. On the other hand, Sacramento's economy is largely driven by the public sector with the State of California being the largest employer.
Biggest Employers
In Charlotte, some of the biggest employers include Wells Fargo, Bank of America and the Carolinas Healthcare System. In Sacramento, the State of California, the County of Sacramento and healthcare system Sutter Health are the largest employers.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
2020
66.8%
61.4%
31.6%
36.1%
1.6%
2.5%
2016
62.3%
58.0%
32.9%
33.8%
4.8%
8.3%
2012
60.8%
58.1%
38.3%
39.1%
0.9%
2.8%
2008
62.0%
58.4%
37.6%
39.4%
0.5%
2.2%
2004
51.7%
49.8%
48.0%
49.6%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
48.4%
49.4%
51.1%
45.4%
0.5%
5.2%
1996
48.6%
49.8%
45.9%
40.8%
5.5%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
1.7%
19.0%
8.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
16.2%
1.8%
5.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.4%
1.1%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
0.3%
1.3%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.5%
1.8%
1.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.9%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
1.5%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.9%
1.2%
1.3%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
2.2%
Weather
Charlotte can experience milder and more humid climate, compared to Sacramento, due to its geographical location in the Southeast. Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate, offering dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. For those who prefer hot summers and milder winters, Sacramento could be more appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
61°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
45%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
Charlotte
Sacramento
2018
75
121
0.24
0.32
6.3
9.7
27.8
24.7
N/A
0.002
15.5
28.9
8.2
12.7
0.2
N/A
2017
77
117
0.25
0.33
7.0
9.0
28.0
25.2
N/A
0.002
16.3
22.1
8.8
8.8
0.2
N/A
2016
82
103
0.25
0.44
7.6
8.0
28.7
25.3
N/A
0.002
N/A
14.0
8.4
9.0
0.2
N/A
2015
76
105
0.25
0.25
8.1
9.7
27.6
24.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
16.2
8.6
10.9
0.2
N/A
2014
76
99
0.26
0.24
8.5
10.2
26.3
24.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
15.6
9.3
9.6
0.3
N/A
2013
71
102
0.29
0.29
8.4
11.1
25.5
23.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
21.3
8.6
11.9
0.3
N/A
2012
95
107
0.28
0.31
8.7
10.5
27.3
25.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
15.2
9.7
7.9
0.3
N/A
2011
94
106
0.34
0.29
10.1
11.2
28.9
24.0
N/A
0.002
N/A
17.7
11.2
10.8
0.6
N/A
2010
97
109
0.33
0.29
11.8
11.2
28.0
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
11.6
9.3
1.0
0.5
2009
82
118
0.30
0.40
10.0
12.4
25.4
23.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
20.6
11.1
11.4
0.9
0.5
2008
102
130
0.32
0.40
11.2
14.9
27.6
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.3
13.0
13.6
2.1
0.5
2007
108
129
0.37
0.39
13.9
14.8
29.1
23.7
0.001
0.005
N/A
19.9
14.5
13.5
3.0
0.6
2006
107
124
0.44
0.49
13.9
15.4
27.3
22.7
0.000
N/A
N/A
23.7
14.8
13.0
3.3
0.5
2005
109
125
0.53
0.42
14.6
15.9
30.6
20.0
0.000
N/A
N/A
22.1
15.2
13.5
2.7
0.6
2004
89
119
0.53
0.49
14.6
15.8
28.9
19.1
0.001
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
13.3
2.8
0.6
2003
85
119
0.57
0.47
15.6
16.8
27.6
20.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
3.0
0.9
2002
103
114
0.63
0.50
15.3
18.1
32.6
21.2
0.003
0.004
N/A
25.1
N/A
N/A
2.7
1.5
2001
108
111
0.72
0.43
17.5
18.0
32.3
21.2
0.005
0.004
N/A
20.7
N/A
N/A
3.9
1.4
2000
107
107
0.79
0.55
18.0
17.9
32.6
19.5
0.014
0.004
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
4.4
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
18%
Transportation
Public transportation in both cities is efficient and relatively comprehensive. The Sacramento Regional Transit District operates bus and light rail systems, while in Charlotte, the Charlotte Area Transit System does the same.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
439
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.1%
1.1%
Bus
1.2%
1%
Carpooled
8.7%
12%
Car alone
86.2%
80%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.4%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.5%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Average
29.6 min
28.5 min
Other means
24.9 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
90%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing-wise, home prices and rents in Charlotte tend to be more affordable than in Sacramento. However, both cities offer a variety of housing styles, from urban condos to suburban homes, fitting a wide array of preferences.
Neighborhoods
Each city boasts a mix of diverse neighborhoods. Charlotte has the lively Uptown and the charming Myers Park, among others. Sacramento boasts neighborhoods like the Midtown, known for its liveliness, and Elk Grove having family-friendly amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Houses
393,631
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1998
1977
Median year house/condo built
1993
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$481,210
Median house age
26
44
Renting percentage
42.6%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
2,168.8
House value disparities
33.3%
25.5%
Household income disparities
44.1%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Sacramento
One, detached
52.7%
61.7%
One, attached
9.1%
6.8%
Two
0.9%
1.8%
3 or 4
2.9%
4.8%
5 to 9
7.1%
6.9%
10 to 19
9.5%
4.9%
20 to 49
6.2%
3.5%
50 or more
10.3%
7.6%
Mobile homes
1.4%
1.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
12,891
State government workers
16,519
40,274
Unpaid family workers
1,214
755
Industries and Occupations
Banking and financial services are dominant in Charlotte, closely followed by healthcare and the energy sector. On the otherhand, Sacramento is heavily influenced by government jobs, healthcare, education and the tech industry.
Both cities have excellent healthcare systems. Charlotte is home to Atrium Health, one of the nation's leading healthcare organizations. Sacramento is home to UC Davis Health, renowned for its research and specialty care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities are major transportation hubs with expansive networks of highways and railways. However, Sacramento, being the state capital of California, has more extensive infrastructure, including government buildings, public facilities, and historic landmarks.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Sacramento
Hospitals
37
17
TV stations
16
23
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
202
127
Bank institutions located here
26
31
Main business address for public companies
33
5
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Charlotte
Sacramento
1999
3,049
1,003
2000
1,568
1,155
2001
1,382
983
2002
1,275
1,197
2003
1,879
2,258
2004
2,415
3,872
2005
3,078
4,610
2006
3,864
4,276
2007
3,106
2,386
2008
1,287
1,381
2009
617
647
Culture and Food
Charlotte's Southern charm offers cultural experiences like regional cuisine, art galleries, and historic sites. Sacramento, known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is renowned for its fresh local food, award-winning wineries, and robust arts scene.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find something to like in both cities. Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and NASCAR's Hall of Fame. In contrast, Sacramento hosts the Sacramento Kings (NBA) and Sacramento Republic FC (USL).
Charlotte, NC
Sacramento, CA
Charlotte, NC and 
Sacramento, CA : 2,239.5 miles
