Compare Dallas, TX, and Charlotte, NC, two bustling, diverse, and dynamic Southern US cities. Each offers unique lifestyles, career opportunities, amenities, and regional charms. However, they also have distinct differences in their living standards, economic situations, weather, crime rates, infrastructure, cultural offerings, and more. We'll take a closer look at each aspect of these cities to help both potential residents and tourists make an informed decision.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Charlotte, NC : 927.9 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 47%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Charlotte has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) during that time.
Both cities have higher crime rates than the national average, although the types of crime can vary. In Dallas, violent crime is slightly higher than in Charlotte, according to recent FBI crime statistics. Neighborhoods like North Dallas have lower crime rates, while South Dallas tends to experience higher crime levels. In Charlotte, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime. Safe neighborhoods include Eastover and Barclay Downs.
Cost of Living
In general, Dallas has a lower cost of living compared to Charlotte. This is primarily due to lower housing costs in Dallas. However, everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are somewhat comparable in both cities, with a small difference in favor of Dallas.
Income Tax
Texas is one of the few states with no personal state income tax, favorable for those with higher incomes. On the other hand, North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are higher in Dallas than in Charlotte. The median property tax paid in Dallas is approximately 2.0% of a home's assessed value, while in Charlotte it's about 1.1%.
Sales Tax
Texas has a high sales tax rate at 8.25% while North Carolina's statewide basis is lower at 4.75%. However, local taxes can increase the total sales tax up to 7.50% in Charlotte.
Income
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$70,869
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$44,593
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
93.2
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $51,556 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is located on the rolling plains of Texas, making it flat with few natural water bodies, outside of the Trinity River. Charlotte, however, is located in the Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling hills and proximity to both mountains and the coast.
Both cities have good educational options. Dallas Independent School District, the second-largest public school district in Texas, offers numerous programs. Higher education institutions include Southern Methodist University and University of Texas at Dallas. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district is the second-largest in North Carolina, with many quality schools. The city also hosts the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Dallas boasts a robust economy driven by sectors like technology, telecommunications, and financial services. It's also home to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Charlotte's economy primarily focuses on the financial sector, being the second-largest banking hub in the US, next to New York. Other industries such as energy, healthcare, and retail also significantly contribute to its economy.
Biggest Employers
Dallas' largest employers include AT&T, Texas Health Resources, and Dallas ISD. Charlotte has big names like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Atrium Health as its major employers.
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% 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
Dallas
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
2020
65.1%
66.8%
33.4%
31.6%
1.4%
1.6%
2016
60.8%
62.3%
34.7%
32.9%
4.5%
4.8%
2012
57.3%
60.8%
41.8%
38.3%
1.0%
0.9%
2008
57.4%
62.0%
42.0%
37.6%
0.6%
0.5%
2004
49.0%
51.7%
50.4%
48.0%
0.5%
0.3%
2000
45.0%
48.4%
52.7%
51.1%
2.4%
0.5%
1996
46.0%
48.6%
46.8%
45.9%
7.2%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
8.5%
2.4%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
9.0%
31.1%
19.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.3%
1.1%
1.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.2%
1.5%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
1.7%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
1.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.6%
0.6%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
2.3%
0.2%
1.1%
Weather
Dallas experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Temperatures can exceed 100°F in summer, but winters average 60°F. The city sees average precipitation, although tornadoes are a risk given its location in "Tornado Alley". Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. It gets more precipitation than Dallas and experiences fewer extreme weather events.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
61°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
72.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
41%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
44.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
10.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
18.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
69.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
56%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Charlotte
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
Dallas
Charlotte
2018
86
75
0.24
N/A
5.7
6.3
28.7
27.8
N/A
N/A
15.5
N/A
9.7
8.2
0.4
0.2
2017
84
77
0.25
N/A
5.5
7.0
28.6
28.0
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
9.1
8.8
0.3
0.2
2016
81
82
0.25
N/A
6.1
7.6
27.2
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.4
0.2
0.2
2015
85
76
0.25
N/A
6.5
8.1
26.7
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
8.6
0.3
0.2
2014
83
76
0.26
N/A
6.3
8.5
27.6
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
9.3
0.3
0.3
2013
97
71
0.29
N/A
7.3
8.4
28.8
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
8.6
0.2
0.3
2012
116
95
0.28
N/A
8.6
8.7
31.0
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
9.7
0.3
0.3
2011
98
94
0.34
N/A
9.4
10.1
30.9
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
11.2
0.6
0.6
2010
79
97
0.33
N/A
9.4
11.8
28.3
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
0.7
1.0
2009
88
82
0.30
N/A
9.2
10.0
28.8
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
0.5
0.9
2008
88
102
0.32
N/A
9.8
11.2
29.2
27.6
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
0.5
2.1
2007
94
108
0.37
N/A
11.0
13.9
25.7
29.1
0.070
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
0.3
3.0
2006
107
107
0.44
N/A
10.8
13.9
30.6
27.3
0.106
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
0.7
3.3
2005
108
109
0.53
N/A
13.0
14.6
29.7
30.6
0.142
0.000
N/A
N/A
11.0
15.2
0.9
2.7
2004
96
89
0.53
N/A
12.3
14.6
26.0
28.9
0.099
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
2.8
2003
102
85
0.57
N/A
13.6
15.6
27.1
27.6
0.121
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
3.0
2002
100
103
0.63
N/A
14.0
15.3
25.2
32.6
0.080
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2.7
2001
100
108
0.72
N/A
14.3
17.5
26.0
32.3
0.069
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
3.9
2000
109
107
0.79
N/A
14.5
18.0
27.0
32.6
0.092
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
4.4
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
111.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
79%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
9%
Transportation
Dallas has a more comprehensive public transit system. It has light rail (DART), buses, and bike-share programs. However, most residents prefer to drive. Charlotte's public transportation includes buses and a light rail system (LYNX). The city is also investing in expanding its biking and walking infrastructure.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
2
439
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Bicycle
0.3%
0.1%
Bus
1.4%
1.2%
Carpooled
10.9%
8.7%
Car alone
83.9%
86.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0.4%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Average
31.5 min
29.6 min
Other means
26.5 min
24.9 min
Public transportation
46 min
44.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.8%
90%
In 2 person carpool
9%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Dependending on the neighborhood, townhomes and single-family homes are prevalent in Dallas. The market is dynamic, with more affordable options compared to Charlotte. The housing market in Charlotte is slightly more expensive overall, with sustainable appreciation rates.
Neighborhoods
Dallas has a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods to choose from. Uptown is popular with young professionals, while families prefer Lake Highlands and North Dallas for their safety and good schools. Charlotte's south end is popular with young professionals, and Ballantyne is a modern, family-friendly neighborhood.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Houses
591,773
393,631
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1998
Median year house/condo built
1969
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
365,269 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
193,930 (53.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
171,339 (46.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,482
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,302
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$445,491
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$321,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$388,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$184,325
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$178,624
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$433,957
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$52,977
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$296,370
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$378,423
Median house age
40
26
Renting percentage
55.9%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
1,624.8
House value disparities
41.3%
33.3%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$105,905
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$70,681
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
3,089 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
10,553 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
142,912 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
171 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
13,532 (9.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Charlotte
One, detached
41.8%
52.7%
One, attached
4.3%
9.1%
Two
1.5%
0.9%
3 or 4
4.9%
2.9%
5 to 9
7.9%
7.1%
10 to 19
12.1%
9.5%
20 to 49
8.1%
6.2%
50 or more
18.4%
10.3%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
25,780
State government workers
17,325
16,519
Unpaid family workers
754
1,214
Industries and Occupations
Burgeoning industries in Dallas include technology, aerospace-defense, and life sciences. Primary occupations range from IT professionals to healthcare workers. In Charlotte, the main industries are banking, energy (with many firms in the renewable sector), healthcare, and motorsports. The leading occupations are financial analysts, sales managers, and registered nurses.
Dallas is noted for its high-quality healthcare, with nationally ranked hospitals such as UT Southwestern Medical Center. Charlotte also provides excellent healthcare, with standout establishments like Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas boasts more developed infrastructure, with a comprehensive highway system and DFW International Airport, one of the busiest in the world. Charlotte has been improving its infrastructure, offering an international airport and an expanding light rail system.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Charlotte
Hospitals
74
37
TV stations
25
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
394
202
Bank institutions located here
80
26
Main business address for public companies
122
33
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Charlotte
1999
5,030
3,049
2000
3,390
1,568
2001
2,626
1,382
2002
2,657
1,275
2003
3,617
1,879
2004
5,460
2,415
2005
7,445
3,078
2006
7,397
3,864
2007
5,056
3,106
2008
2,200
1,287
2009
1,121
617
Culture and Food
Dallas boasts a vibrant food scene, world-class art museums like the Dallas Museum of Art, and lively music festivals. Barbecue, Tex-Mex, and steaks are among the local favorites. Charlotte has a burgeoning craft beer scene, excellent Southern cuisine, and several local music and arts festivals. It is also notably home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and the Texas Rangers (MLB). Charlotte hosts the Charlotte Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and is also a hub for NASCAR.
Dallas, TX
Charlotte, NC
Dallas, TX and 
Charlotte, NC : 927.9 miles
