San Antonio, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina are both dynamic cities with unique aspects that distinguish them from each other. San Antonio offers a warm climate, lots of history and cultural diversity, while Charlotte is more business-oriented with a balanced seasonal climate pattern. Prospective residents and tourists should carefully consider their preferences across several parameters, including crime and safety, weather, cost of living, culture, taxes, transportation, and healthcare, among others.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Charlotte, NC : 1,104.3 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 65%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Charlotte has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) during that time.
Crime rates can greatly affect both residents and tourists. San Antonio has a higher crime rate than Charlotte, most of it property crime. However, the crime rate in both cities depends significantly on the neighborhood. Both cities have ongoing efforts to improve public safety and reduce crime rates.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Antonio is generally lower than in Charlotte. This includes housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation. However, take into account that the average income in Charlotte is higher, which can offset the cost of living differences.
Income Tax
As mentioned earlier, Texas does not have a state income tax which may be beneficial for potential residents with higher incomes, unlike in North Carolina where income tax is collected.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Charlotte are generally lower than San Antonio. However, San Antonio offers generous exemptions that may offset the higher rates.
Sales Tax
Texas does not have a state income tax, but San Antonio has a higher sales tax compared to Charlotte. North Carolina has a state income tax, but Charlotte has a lower sales tax. This can have a significant impact depending on your income and spending habits.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$70,869
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$44,593
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
93.2
If you make $50,000 in San Antonio, you will have to make $53,136 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio offers a mix of Texas hill country and South Texas plains, meanwhile, Charlotte is nestled within the Piedmont region, near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal beaches.
Charlotte boasts of the prestigious University of North Carolina system and other quality institutions. San Antonio is home to numerous universities and colleges, including University of Texas at San Antonio. Both cities offer good quality public and private schools.
Both cities have robust economies. Charlotte is known as a major U.S. financial hub, home to Bank of America's headquarters and Wells Fargo's east coast operations. On the other hand, San Antonio's economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and military/defense.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, the largest employers are H-E-B, USAA, and the Northside Independent School District. Charlotte's biggest employers are Wells Fargo, the Carolinas Healthcare System, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% 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
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
2020
58.3%
66.8%
40.1%
31.6%
1.5%
1.6%
2016
54.2%
62.3%
40.8%
32.9%
5.0%
4.8%
2012
51.6%
60.8%
47.1%
38.3%
1.4%
0.9%
2008
52.3%
62.0%
46.7%
37.6%
1.0%
0.5%
2004
44.5%
51.7%
55.0%
48.0%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
44.9%
48.4%
52.3%
51.1%
2.7%
0.5%
1996
49.7%
48.6%
44.6%
45.9%
5.7%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
8.5%
8.6%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
9.0%
23.5%
19.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.3%
0.8%
1.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
1.0%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
1.2%
1.6%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.9%
2.2%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
2.3%
0.3%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.3%
1.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.6%
0.3%
1.9%
Weather
San Antonio has a hot semi-arid climate, with long hot summers and mild winters which is ideal for those who love the sun. On the other hand, Charlotte experiences all four seasons. Summers get quite hot, while winters are mild to cold with occasional snowfall making it attractive for those preferring seasonal variety.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
61°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
72.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
41%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
44.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
10.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
18.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
69.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
56%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
San Antonio
Charlotte
2018
83
75
N/A
0.24
4.9
6.3
25.6
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.5
8.0
8.2
0.2
0.2
2017
85
77
N/A
0.25
5.1
7.0
26.9
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
8.4
8.8
1.7
0.2
2016
79
82
N/A
0.25
5.2
7.6
25.7
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
8.4
0.8
0.2
2015
76
76
N/A
0.25
4.7
8.1
25.4
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.6
0.7
0.2
2014
84
76
N/A
0.26
5.5
8.5
27.3
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
9.3
0.6
0.3
2013
79
71
N/A
0.29
4.1
8.4
28.2
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
8.6
0.7
0.3
2012
77
95
N/A
0.28
4.5
8.7
27.5
27.3
N/A
N/A
18.1
N/A
9.2
9.7
N/A
0.3
2011
85
94
N/A
0.34
4.6
10.1
29.2
28.9
N/A
N/A
18.9
N/A
9.9
11.2
N/A
0.6
2010
75
97
0.21
0.33
7.2
11.8
25.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
17.1
N/A
9.2
11.6
N/A
1.0
2009
74
82
0.23
0.30
8.3
10.0
25.7
25.4
N/A
N/A
19.5
N/A
9.8
11.1
0.4
0.9
2008
84
102
0.26
0.32
9.3
11.2
26.8
27.6
N/A
N/A
19.8
N/A
10.1
13.0
0.5
2.1
2007
83
108
0.49
0.37
9.3
13.9
26.3
29.1
0.001
N/A
23.4
N/A
10.3
14.5
N/A
3.0
2006
86
107
0.51
0.44
9.7
13.9
32.7
27.3
0.000
N/A
24.8
N/A
9.8
14.8
N/A
3.3
2005
86
109
0.53
0.53
10.7
14.6
30.8
30.6
0.000
N/A
22.3
N/A
10.1
15.2
N/A
2.7
2004
76
89
0.48
0.53
10.4
14.6
29.6
28.9
0.001
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
2003
77
85
0.57
0.57
10.3
15.6
28.5
27.6
0.003
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2002
88
103
0.52
0.63
11.2
15.3
30.3
32.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
2001
78
108
0.57
0.72
11.9
17.5
29.3
32.3
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
2000
82
107
0.52
0.79
11.7
18.0
29.6
32.6
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
111.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
79%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
9%
Transportation
Both cities offer extensive highway networks and international airports. Public transportation is more developed in Charlotte, with the LYNX light rail system, buses and streetcar services. San Antonio has a less developed public transport system, but various types of commuting options are available.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
987
439
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Bicycle
0.2%
0.1%
Bus
1.6%
1.2%
Carpooled
12.9%
8.7%
Car alone
81.9%
86.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Average
27 min
29.6 min
Other means
23.4 min
24.9 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
44.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
90%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Antonio's real estate is often more affordable than in Charlotte, with more house for the money. However, Charlotte's real estate market has proven to be more dynamic, often providing a better return on investment.
Neighborhoods
San Antonio offers vibrant neighborhoods, from the historic King William district to the trendy Pearl Brewery area. Charlotte's neighborhoods range from the artsy NoDa to the upscale Ballantyne.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Houses
603,670
393,631
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1998
Median year house/condo built
1981
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
365,269 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
193,930 (53.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
171,339 (46.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$1,482
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$1,302
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$445,491
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$321,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$388,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$184,325
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$178,624
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$433,957
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$52,977
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$296,370
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$378,423
Median house age
37
26
Renting percentage
43.5%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,624.8
House value disparities
33.6%
33.3%
Household income disparities
44.7%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$105,905
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$70,681
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
3,089 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
10,553 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
142,912 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
171 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
13,532 (9.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Charlotte
One, detached
60.4%
52.7%
One, attached
2.7%
9.1%
Two
2.2%
0.9%
3 or 4
4.9%
2.9%
5 to 9
7.8%
7.1%
10 to 19
8.5%
9.5%
20 to 49
5.4%
6.2%
50 or more
6.6%
10.3%
Mobile homes
1.5%
1.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
25,780
State government workers
29,486
16,519
Unpaid family workers
657
1,214
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio is renowned for its healthcare, tourism, and military sectors. Charlotte's economy is significantly oriented toward finance, tech, and energy sectors. Both cities offer diverse job opportunities across different fields.
Both cities offer quality healthcare. San Antonio is a hub for military healthcare, with renowned facilities such as Brooke Army Medical Center. Charlotte has an extensive network of healthcare facilities, including the Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Charlotte's infrastructure continues to grow with expanding public transit, new highways, and a bustling international airport. San Antonio boasts of quality water and transportation infrastructure and substantial historical architecture.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Charlotte
Hospitals
130
37
TV stations
30
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
333
202
Bank institutions located here
41
26
Main business address for public companies
23
33
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Charlotte
1999
6,847
3,049
2000
2,930
1,568
2001
2,383
1,382
2002
2,313
1,275
2003
3,759
1,879
2004
5,180
2,415
2005
6,554
3,078
2006
6,983
3,864
2007
4,562
3,106
2008
1,781
1,287
2009
847
617
Culture and Food
San Antonio is infused with Mexican culture and history, visible in its architecture, festivals, and food. Charlotte offers a blend of Southern heritage with modern cultures and is known for its barbecue and burgeoning food scene.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will enjoy both cities. San Antonio is home to the NBA's Spurs. Charlotte hosts the NFL's Panthers, the NBA's Hornets, and a range of motorsports events.
San Antonio, TX
Charlotte, NC
San Antonio, TX and 
Charlotte, NC : 1,104.3 miles
