In comparing Charlotte, NC and Virginia Beach, VA, noticeable differences exist in various aspects such as crime and safety, weather, and cost of living among others. Both are vibrant US cities each offering a uniqueness that provides diverse options for both residents and tourists. From the neighborhoods to sports teams, educational opportunities, and local culture, both cities have their unique perks and drawbacks. This comprehensive look at the various factors that directly influence daily life should provide some valuable insights into what makes each city distinct.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Virginia Beach, VA : 287.8 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 92%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Virginia Beach has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) during that time.
Charlotte, NC has a higher crime rate than the national average, which can be a concern for potential residents and visitors. However, like any city, crime rates vary by neighborhood. In contrast, Virginia Beach, VA has a lower crime rate than the national average, making it comparatively safer. It’s still advised to stay informed about localities and take common precautions.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Charlotte is slightly lower than the national average, offering affordable housing and daily expenses. On the other hand, Virginia Beach is above the national average cost which is largely credited to its desirable coastal location and higher housing costs.
Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%. In contrast, Virginia's income tax is progressive, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%.
Property Tax
The property tax in Charlotte is relatively low, which can be attractive for homeowners. The property tax rate in Virginia Beach is higher in comparison but is offset by the high quality of public services.
Sales Tax
North Carolina, including Charlotte, has a combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.25%. Meanwhile, Virginia Beach, in the state of Virginia, has a total sales tax rate of 6%.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$81,634
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$42,498
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
97
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $52,039 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte is inland, featuring a low-lying, rolling terrain. Virginia Beach is a coastal city, offering beachfront living, sandy shores, and is known for its long boardwalk.
Both cities are served by reputable public and private schools. Charlotte has an edge with more numerous higher education facilities including the renowned University of North Carolina at Charlotte. However, Virginia Beach is within close proximity to many prestigious institutions in the broader Virginia region.
Both cities have robust economies. Charlotte is highly known for its banking and financial sector, being the second-largest banking center in the US after New York. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, has a diverse economy with strong sectors in Defense, Agriculture, and Tourism.
Biggest Employers
In Charlotte, the biggest employers are Wells Fargo and Bank of America. In Virginia Beach, the Navy and Agriculture are prominent employers, along with the city schools system and tourism industry.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
2020
66.8%
51.6%
31.6%
46.2%
1.6%
2.2%
2016
62.3%
44.8%
32.9%
48.4%
4.8%
6.8%
2012
60.8%
48.1%
38.3%
50.7%
0.9%
1.2%
2008
62.0%
49.3%
37.6%
50.1%
0.5%
0.6%
2004
51.7%
40.4%
48.0%
59.3%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
48.4%
41.8%
51.1%
56.1%
0.5%
2.1%
1996
48.6%
41.4%
45.9%
50.6%
5.5%
8.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
4.9%
19.0%
13.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
10.7%
1.8%
4.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.4%
1.1%
0.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.4%
1.3%
4.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.4%
1.8%
1.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.2%
1.9%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.1%
1.5%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.8%
1.2%
0.4%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
0.7%
0.4%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.1%
Weather
Weather-wise, Charlotte experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters while Virginia Beach experiences a somewhat similar climate, with slightly milder winters due to its coastal location. Both cities can experience hurricanes, and it's important to be prepared for these seasonal risks.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Temperature - Average
61°F
59.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
53%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
2018
75
57
0.24
0.27
6.3
6.3
27.8
31.3
N/A
0.002
15.5
N/A
8.2
6.1
0.2
0.4
2017
77
60
0.25
0.22
7.0
6.8
28.0
33.2
N/A
0.002
16.3
N/A
8.8
6.9
0.2
0.3
2016
82
66
0.25
0.21
7.6
6.5
28.7
31.7
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
8.4
6.1
0.2
0.4
2015
76
57
0.25
0.27
8.1
7.3
27.6
33.8
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
8.6
6.4
0.2
0.5
2014
76
59
0.26
0.27
8.5
7.5
26.3
33.8
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
9.3
6.8
0.3
1.1
2013
71
66
0.29
0.28
8.4
7.1
25.5
31.2
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
8.6
6.8
0.3
1.1
2012
95
76
0.28
0.29
8.7
7.8
27.3
34.6
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
9.7
8.1
0.3
1.1
2011
94
66
0.34
0.27
10.1
9.2
28.9
35.1
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
11.2
8.8
0.6
1.7
2010
97
71
0.33
0.25
11.8
4.8
28.0
38.4
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
11.6
N/A
1.0
2.2
2009
82
51
0.30
0.25
10.0
9.7
25.4
31.5
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
11.1
N/A
0.9
2.6
2008
102
77
0.32
0.23
11.2
10.3
27.6
36.2
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
13.0
N/A
2.1
3.3
2007
108
81
0.37
0.18
13.9
12.2
29.1
36.3
0.001
0.004
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.0
4.3
2006
107
62
0.44
0.32
13.9
N/A
27.3
36.2
0.000
0.004
N/A
N/A
14.8
N/A
3.3
3.4
2005
109
67
0.53
0.28
14.6
N/A
30.6
35.4
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
N/A
2.7
3.4
2004
89
80
0.53
0.30
14.6
15.9
28.9
33.3
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
4.3
2003
85
84
0.57
0.34
15.6
16.2
27.6
34.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
3.9
2002
103
99
0.63
0.40
15.3
17.8
32.6
38.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
5.9
2001
108
92
0.72
0.42
17.5
18.2
32.3
36.3
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
6.0
2000
107
85
0.79
0.44
18.0
15.7
32.6
36.5
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
6.5
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
61.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
35.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
0%
Transportation
While public transit exists in both cities, Charlotte has a more developed system including light rail. In Virginia Beach, most people utilize personal vehicles, though buses are available. Due to their suburban nature, both cities can have significant traffic during peak commuting hours.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
439
374
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Bicycle
0.1%
0.2%
Bus
1.2%
1%
Carpooled
8.7%
9.5%
Car alone
86.2%
84.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.5%
3.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Average
29.6 min
24.8 min
Other means
24.9 min
23.7 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
41.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
90%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Charlotte provides a range of options from downtown apartments to suburban homes, typically at an affordable price. Virginia Beach provides more expensive options, highlighted by beach-front properties.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles. Charlotte has historic neighborhoods such as Dilworth and Fourth Ward and modern areas like Uptown and South End. Virginia Beach neighborhoods include the oceanfront resort area and residential bayside communities like Chic's Beach and Great Neck.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Houses
393,631
190,981
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1998
1988
Median year house/condo built
1993
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
182,775 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
119,144 (65.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
63,631 (34.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$1,833
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$1,490
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$508,833
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$328,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
7
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$459,164
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
$200,674
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$279,464
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$229,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$143,239
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$261,878
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$401,957
Median house age
26
36
Renting percentage
42.6%
34.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
769.2
House value disparities
33.3%
29%
Household income disparities
44.1%
40.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$104,941
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$82,507
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
2,373 (2.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
9,070 (10%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
88,748 (97.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
287 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
10,952 (12%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
One, detached
52.7%
53.2%
One, attached
9.1%
18.3%
Two
0.9%
1.7%
3 or 4
2.9%
4.6%
5 to 9
7.1%
9.0%
10 to 19
9.5%
4.5%
20 to 49
6.2%
2.1%
50 or more
10.3%
5.4%
Mobile homes
1.4%
1.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
9,992
State government workers
16,519
6,577
Unpaid family workers
1,214
251
Industries and Occupations
Banking and finance dominate the job market in Charlotte. Virginia Beach's economy is more diverse, with notable presences in the defense, tourism, and agricultural industries, along with an emerging technology sector.
Both cities have numerous healthcare facilities. Charlotte is known for its high-quality healthcare, home to Atrium Health, among other facilities. Virginia Beach has Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and several other clinics and facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Charlotte's city layout provides a blend of urban and suburban living with an expanding light rail system. Virginia Beach is a sprawling ocean-front city with significant investment in infrastructure for tourism, including a well-maintained boardwalk and street lights that use wind turbines.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
Hospitals
37
7
TV stations
16
24
Bank branches located here
202
96
Bank institutions located here
26
16
Main business address for public companies
33
2
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Charlotte
Virginia Beach
1999
3,049
0
2000
1,568
0
2001
1,382
0
2002
1,275
0
2003
1,879
941
2004
2,415
1,388
2005
3,078
1,545
2006
3,864
1,502
2007
3,106
1,073
2008
1,287
340
2009
617
167
Culture and Food
Charlotte boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants, including a food scene famous for barbeque and Southern cuisine. Virginia Beach, because of its coastal location, offers a plethora of seafood cuisine, beach culture, and has a vibrant outdoor activity scene.
Sports Teams
Charlotte is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers, and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Virginia Beach does not have major league teams, but supports minor league sports and is in proximity to cities that do, such as Washington, DC.
Charlotte, NC
Virginia Beach, VA
Charlotte, NC and 
Virginia Beach, VA : 287.8 miles
