This comprehensive comparison between Chicago, Illinois, and Charlotte, North Carolina, is designed to assist those considering a relocation or vacation visit. The analysis covers a broad range of factors like crime rating, weather conditions, living expenses, education quality, job market, cultural aspects, taxes, and more. The report aims to provide valuable context, particularly for prospective movers, allowing them to assess each location's suitability in line with their needs. Let's delve into comparing the two vibrant cities on various fronts.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Charlotte, NC : 588.8 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 207%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Charlotte has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) during that time.
Chicago, the third-largest city in the US, witnesses higher crime rates than Charlotte. Both violent and property crimes are higher in Chicago than the national average, leading to a lower overall safety rating for the Windy City. Charlotte's crime rates, though slightly above the national average, are significantly less than Chicago's. According to NeighborhoodScout, Charlotte's crime rate is comparable to other US cities of its size, while Chicago's is notably higher.
Cost of Living
Chicago is significantly more expensive to live in than Charlotte. This difference is primarily due to housing prices, which are substantially higher in Chicago. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are also generally higher in Chicago.
Income Tax
Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. In contrast, North Carolina employs a flat rate of 5.25%. Keep in mind that both cities may also impose additional local taxes.
Property Tax
Chicago has a higher property tax rate than Charlotte. The average property tax rate in Chicago is about 1.74%, while in Charlotte, it's in the area of 0.94%.
Sales Tax
Chicago has a higher combined city and state sales tax at 10.25%, one of the highest in the country. Meanwhile, Charlotte has a combined city and state sales tax of 7.25%.
Income
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$70,869
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$44,593
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
93.2
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $56,223 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Chicago is located on Lake Michigan's shores, offering beautiful lake views and water-based activities. Charlotte, on the other hand, is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, between coastal plains and the Appalachian Mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Both cities boast solid education systems. In higher education, Chicago stands out with world-renowned universities such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Charlotte, on the other hand, has a higher high school graduation rate and is home to respected institutions like the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Both cities have robust economies, but they excel in different sectors. Chicago is a major global financial hub, home to the Chicago Stock Exchange and numerous Fortune 500 companies. Charlotte's economy is also strong, with a focus on the banking and financial sector, where it's home to Bank of America's headquarters and major operations for Wells Fargo.
Biggest Employers
In Chicago, some of the biggest employers are the federal and city government, public schools, universities, and hospitals. Private corporations like Boeing and United Airlines also employ many Chicagoans. In Charlotte, the largest employers are the healthcare industry (Atrium and Novant Health), banking (Bank of America), and American Airlines.
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
2020
74.6%
66.8%
24.1%
31.6%
1.3%
1.6%
2016
74.4%
62.3%
20.9%
32.9%
4.7%
4.8%
2012
74.0%
60.8%
24.6%
38.3%
1.4%
0.9%
2008
76.4%
62.0%
22.9%
37.6%
0.7%
0.5%
2004
70.3%
51.7%
29.2%
48.0%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
69.0%
48.4%
28.8%
51.1%
2.3%
0.5%
1996
66.8%
48.6%
26.7%
45.9%
6.5%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
8.5%
11.1%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
0.3%
1.8%
1.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.9%
4.3%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
9.0%
5.4%
19.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
3.6%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
2.3%
1.6%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.2%
1.8%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.9%
1.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.6%
0.5%
1.9%
Weather
Weather differs quite notably between Chicago and Charlotte, largely due to their geographic location. Chicago experiences the full range of seasons, including cold winters with frequent snowfall, whereas Charlotte generally sees milder winters and hot, humid summers. It's notable that Chicago's windy conditions are legendary, earning it the nickname, "The Windy City".
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
61°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
72.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
41%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
44.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
10.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
18.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
69.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
56%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
Chicago
Charlotte
2018
97
75
0.26
0.24
14.3
6.3
26.2
27.8
N/A
N/A
23.6
15.5
9.3
8.2
1.7
0.2
2017
95
77
0.25
0.25
14.3
7.0
26.4
28.0
N/A
N/A
25.1
16.3
8.7
8.8
1.4
0.2
2016
95
82
0.21
0.25
14.9
7.6
26.5
28.7
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
9.1
8.4
0.8
0.2
2015
92
76
0.51
0.25
15.0
8.1
25.4
27.6
N/A
N/A
23.3
N/A
10.5
8.6
0.9
0.2
2014
101
76
0.45
0.26
18.0
8.5
25.1
26.3
N/A
N/A
28.9
N/A
10.7
9.3
1.3
0.3
2013
100
71
0.37
0.29
18.3
8.4
23.8
25.5
N/A
N/A
30.3
N/A
11.1
8.6
1.0
0.3
2012
112
95
0.36
0.28
18.8
8.7
25.7
27.3
N/A
N/A
31.3
N/A
12.1
9.7
1.7
0.3
2011
101
94
0.38
0.34
18.6
10.1
24.8
28.9
N/A
N/A
21.9
N/A
12.8
11.2
2.4
0.6
2010
103
97
0.37
0.33
20.4
11.8
25.4
28.0
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
12.9
11.6
1.4
1.0
2009
106
82
0.29
0.30
20.0
10.0
22.4
25.4
0.025
N/A
20.1
N/A
12.9
11.1
1.4
0.9
2008
108
102
0.32
0.32
22.8
11.2
22.8
27.6
0.026
N/A
22.7
N/A
12.5
13.0
1.8
2.1
2007
125
108
0.34
0.37
23.6
13.9
23.9
29.1
0.027
0.001
25.9
N/A
13.1
14.5
2.2
3.0
2006
95
107
0.31
0.44
23.0
13.9
21.1
27.3
0.029
0.000
22.0
N/A
N/A
14.8
2.6
3.3
2005
110
109
0.55
0.53
23.5
14.6
23.3
30.6
0.027
0.000
26.2
N/A
N/A
15.2
3.3
2.7
2004
85
89
0.83
0.53
23.9
14.6
20.3
28.9
0.032
0.001
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
2.8
2003
99
85
0.69
0.57
25.1
15.6
20.0
27.6
0.030
0.003
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
3.0
2002
114
103
0.83
0.63
26.5
15.3
20.8
32.6
0.029
0.003
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2.7
2001
107
108
0.83
0.72
27.3
17.5
19.2
32.3
0.031
0.005
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
3.9
2000
104
107
0.88
0.79
24.8
18.0
17.6
32.6
0.046
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
4.4
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
111.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
79%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
9%
Transportation
Chicago's public transportation infrastructure is more developed than that of Charlotte, with a comprehensive system of buses and rail lines. Commuting in Charlotte currently relies more heavily on cars, but the city is expanding its public transit system.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
439
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Bicycle
1.6%
0.1%
Bus
8%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.3%
8.7%
Car alone
62.3%
86.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0.4%
Streetcar
6.8%
0%
Subway
3.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.2%
Walked
5.9%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Average
36.9 min
29.6 min
Other means
33.1 min
24.9 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
44.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
90%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Chicago's real estate is more expensive than Charlotte's, with a median home price nearly double that of Charlotte. However, the rental market in Chicago offers more variety, with high-rise apartments downtown and single-family homes in the suburbs. Charlotte's real estate market is growing with an influx of new construction, particularly in suburban areas.
Neighborhoods
Chicago offers a wide array of neighborhoods each with its unique vibe. They range from the upscale Magnificent Mile to the artsy Wicker Park. Charlotte's neighborhoods are equally diverse, featuring the vibrant arts district of NoDa and the prosperous Ballantyne.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Houses
1,272,191
393,631
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1955
1998
Median year house/condo built
1951
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
365,269 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
193,930 (53.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
171,339 (46.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$1,482
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$1,302
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$445,491
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$321,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$388,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
$184,325
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$178,624
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$433,957
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$52,977
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$296,370
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$378,423
Median house age
70
26
Renting percentage
55.1%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
1,624.8
House value disparities
35.6%
33.3%
Household income disparities
48.4%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$105,905
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$70,681
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
3,089 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
10,553 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
142,912 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
171 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
13,532 (9.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Charlotte
One, detached
26.4%
52.7%
One, attached
3.5%
9.1%
Two
13.3%
0.9%
3 or 4
14.0%
2.9%
5 to 9
11.0%
7.1%
10 to 19
4.6%
9.5%
20 to 49
6.5%
6.2%
50 or more
20.6%
10.3%
Mobile homes
0.2%
1.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
25,780
State government workers
41,316
16,519
Unpaid family workers
4,164
1,214
Industries and Occupations
Chicago has a diversified economy with a strong presence in finance, publishing, food processing, and manufacturing. Charlotte's economy is primarily based on finance, but it also has significant healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors.
Chicago has a high concentration of top-ranked hospitals and healthcare providers, including the Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Charlotte also offers solid healthcare facilities, but with fewer nationally ranked hospitals. Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center is among the best hospitals in Charlotte.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago features impressive architecture and is equipped with an extensive public transportation system including the "L" train, buses, and bike-sharing programs. Charlotte, although smaller, has seen significant infrastructure growth in recent years, including light rail, streetcar, and bus rapid transit systems.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Charlotte
Hospitals
86
37
TV stations
22
16
Arenas or stadiums
7
3
Bank branches located here
740
202
Bank institutions located here
99
26
Main business address for public companies
110
33
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Charlotte
1999
7,501
3,049
2000
8,763
1,568
2001
7,090
1,382
2002
7,745
1,275
2003
10,485
1,879
2004
14,761
2,415
2005
24,041
3,078
2006
29,365
3,864
2007
17,767
3,106
2008
8,601
1,287
2009
3,506
617
Culture and Food
Both cities are rich in cultural offerings. Chicago is renowned for its music scene, particularly blues and jazz, its theater district, and diverse culinary scene, including Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. Charlotte offers a rich Southern culture with a remarkable food scene, famous for its barbeque and soul food.
Sports Teams
Both cities support a variety of professional sports teams. Chicago is home to the Cubs and White Sox (MLB), Bears (NFL), Bulls (NBA), and Blackhawks (NHL). Charlotte hosts the Panthers (NFL), Hornets (NBA), and NASCAR races.
Chicago, IL
Charlotte, NC
Chicago, IL and 
Charlotte, NC : 588.8 miles
