When comparing San Diego, CA, and Charlotte, NC, both cities have unique traits and appeals. San Diego, known for its year-round perfect weather and extensive beaches, offers a high-cost, high-value lifestyle focusing on the outdoors and entertainment. Charlotte, on the other hand, is a vibrant, fast-growing city with a thriving business scene and a lower cost of living. Between the two, you'll find differences in crime rates, weather, cost of living, education, job opportunities, taxes, and cultural experiences, which could influence your decision to visit or relocate.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Charlotte, NC : 2,075.6 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 57%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Charlotte has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) during that time.
San Diego's crime rate is slightly higher than the national average but lower than that of Charlotte. San Diego's focus on community policing helps maintain safety for its residents and tourists. Charlotte's crime rate is higher than the national average, although it varies significantly in different neighborhoods. Both cities offer safe areas for visiting tourists, with highly patrolled tourist spots.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Diego is significantly higher than in Charlotte. Food, housing, transportation, and general expenses are all considerably more expensive in San Diego as compared to Charlotte. However, with San Diego's higher cost comes a unique lifestyle that includes beach living and an abundant outdoor lifestyle.
Income Tax
California, where San Diego is located, has a progressive income tax rate that can reach as high as 13.3%. North Carolina, home to Charlotte, has a flat income tax rate of 5.25%.
Property Tax
Property taxes are significantly higher in San Diego than in Charlotte, reflecting the differing costs of real estate in the two cities. This, in turn, can impact the overall affordability of homeownership.
Sales Tax
San Diego has a higher sales tax (7.75%) in comparison to Charlotte (7.25%). These rates comprise both state and city sales tax and can impact your overall cost of living.
Income
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$70,869
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$44,593
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
93.2
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $67,811 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego's geography is defined by beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and desert areas—great for outdoor activities like surfing and hiking. Charlotte, located in the Piedmont region, features a lush landscape with nearby mountains and lakes, offering plenty of recreational opportunities.
Both cities offer excellent educational opportunities. San Diego is home to several renowned universities and colleges, such as the University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University. Charlotte also hosts prestigious institutions like the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Queens University. Both cities' public school systems are well-rated, but San Diego's schools slightly edge out Charlotte's for overall quality.
San Diego has a robust, diverse economy with a strong presence in the military sector, healthcare, and tourism. Charlotte, known as the second-largest banking center in the US after New York, is a major commercial hub in the South, with a booming job market in finance, technology, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
The military, via the US Navy, is the largest employer in San Diego, followed by the University of California, San Diego. In Charlotte, two of the largest employers are Bank of America and Carolinas Healthcare System.
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% 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 Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
2020
60.3%
66.8%
37.5%
31.6%
2.1%
1.6%
2016
56.3%
62.3%
36.6%
32.9%
7.1%
4.8%
2012
52.6%
60.8%
45.0%
38.3%
2.4%
0.9%
2008
54.2%
62.0%
44.0%
37.6%
1.8%
0.5%
2004
46.7%
51.7%
52.9%
48.0%
0.4%
0.3%
2000
45.8%
48.4%
49.8%
51.1%
4.5%
0.5%
1996
44.1%
48.6%
45.6%
45.9%
10.3%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
8.5%
6.7%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
9.0%
12.0%
19.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.3%
1.1%
1.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.0%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.2%
2.0%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.9%
2.0%
1.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.2%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
2.3%
1.5%
1.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.6%
1.2%
1.9%
Weather
Weather is dramatically different between these two locations. San Diego is known for its near-perfect weather, rarely experiencing temperatures outside the 60-80 degree range, with minimal rainfall. Conversely, Charlotte experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cool winters, including occasional snowfall. This may appeal to those who enjoy a more varied weather experience.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
61°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
72.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
41%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
44.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
10.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
18.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
69.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
56%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
San Diego
Charlotte
2018
101
75
0.53
0.24
11.2
6.3
32.6
27.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
15.5
10.5
8.2
0.1
0.2
2017
115
77
0.63
0.25
12.7
7.0
32.7
28.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
16.3
10.8
8.8
0.1
0.2
2016
105
82
0.46
0.25
13.0
7.6
30.4
28.7
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.4
0.1
0.2
2015
111
76
0.43
0.25
13.2
8.1
29.9
27.6
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
8.6
0.1
0.2
2014
105
76
0.44
0.26
11.6
8.5
31.1
26.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.3
0.1
0.3
2013
138
71
0.50
0.29
12.4
8.4
27.4
25.5
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
8.6
0.2
0.3
2012
110
95
0.53
0.28
12.7
8.7
28.0
27.3
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
9.7
0.2
0.3
2011
122
94
0.51
0.34
13.5
10.1
29.0
28.9
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
11.2
1.5
0.6
2010
109
97
0.52
0.33
14.0
11.8
29.3
28.0
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
11.6
1.0
1.0
2009
121
82
0.64
0.30
15.6
10.0
26.9
25.4
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
11.1
2.7
0.9
2008
127
102
0.71
0.32
16.1
11.2
28.4
27.6
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
13.0
2.6
2.1
2007
157
108
0.71
0.37
16.4
13.9
28.0
29.1
0.012
0.001
64.6
N/A
N/A
14.5
2.8
3.0
2006
123
107
0.81
0.44
18.9
13.9
27.1
27.3
0.056
0.000
64.8
N/A
N/A
14.8
3.4
3.3
2005
112
109
0.90
0.53
19.2
14.6
24.4
30.6
0.049
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
3.7
2.7
2004
120
89
0.93
0.53
18.4
14.6
25.9
28.9
0.055
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
2.8
2003
124
85
0.88
0.57
19.4
15.6
25.4
27.6
0.049
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
3.0
2002
125
103
0.86
0.63
20.9
15.3
25.9
32.6
0.039
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.7
2001
132
108
0.93
0.72
20.4
17.5
26.5
32.3
0.048
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
3.9
2000
134
107
1.02
0.79
22.3
18.0
23.8
32.6
0.054
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
4.4
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
111.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
79%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
9%
Transportation
San Diego's public transportation system consists of buses and trolleys, but as the city is spread out, many residents prefer cars. Charlotte's public transit includes a light rail system, the LYNX, and buses, and driving remains the primary commuting method. Both cities suffer from heavy rush hour traffic.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
852
439
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Bicycle
0.6%
0.1%
Bus
2%
1.2%
Carpooled
9.4%
8.7%
Car alone
81.7%
86.2%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
3.6%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Average
27.4 min
29.6 min
Other means
22.7 min
24.9 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
44.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
90%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
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
San Diego's real estate market is quite pricey due to its geographical limitations and high demand. In contrast, Charlotte offers more affordable housing options, making it an attractive destination for relocation. Real estate value appreciation is strong in both cities, though San Diego's trend upward is a bit more consistent.
Neighborhoods
San Diego's neighborhoods each have their unique charm. La Jolla, for instance, is an upscale seaside community with high-end shopping. Charlotte's neighborhoods also have a diverse appeal, with the trendy NoDa area for arts and culture enthusiasts and the prestigious Myers Park for a more luxurious experience.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Houses
555,456
393,631
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.5
Median year apartment built
1980
1998
Median year house/condo built
1977
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
365,269 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
193,930 (53.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
171,339 (46.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,482
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,302
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$445,491
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$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
5.9
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$388,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$184,325
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$178,624
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$433,957
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$52,977
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$296,370
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$378,423
Median house age
42
26
Renting percentage
51.7%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
1,624.8
House value disparities
23.6%
33.3%
Household income disparities
42.3%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$105,905
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$70,681
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
3,089 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
10,553 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
142,912 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
171 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
13,532 (9.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Charlotte
One, detached
43.4%
52.7%
One, attached
9.9%
9.1%
Two
1.9%
0.9%
3 or 4
6.0%
2.9%
5 to 9
9.3%
7.1%
10 to 19
7.4%
9.5%
20 to 49
6.3%
6.2%
50 or more
14.6%
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
39,709
25,780
State government workers
29,438
16,519
Unpaid family workers
808
1,214
Industries and Occupations
San Diego is known for its booming biotechnology industry, tourism, and defense-related activities. Other prominent sectors include healthcare and international trade. In contrast, Charlotte's economy is largely driven by finance, with Bank of America and Wells Fargo being substantial employers. Other significant industries include motorsports and healthcare.
Both cities are home to advanced healthcare facilities. San Diego boasts top-rated healthcare facilities like UC San Diego Health and Scripps Health. Charlotte is home to Atrium Health, one of the leading healthcare providers in the Southeast.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities boast modern infrastructure. San Diego's network of highways, bridges, and public transportation, coupled with its airport, make commuting relatively easy. Likewise, Charlotte has expanded its infrastructure to support its growing population, with a developed highway system, an international airport, and a light rail transit system.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Charlotte
Hospitals
26
37
TV stations
13
16
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
255
202
Bank institutions located here
40
26
Main business address for public companies
92
33
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Charlotte
1999
3,865
3,049
2000
2,257
1,568
2001
1,754
1,382
2002
2,118
1,275
2003
5,074
1,879
2004
7,646
2,415
2005
8,409
3,078
2006
7,551
3,864
2007
5,741
3,106
2008
2,876
1,287
2009
1,675
617
Culture and Food
San Diego's cultural scene is shaped by its location on the Pacific Ocean and its proximity to Mexico, resulting in a vibrant mix of culinary and cultural experiences. Charlotte is famous for its Southern hospitality, NASCAR racing, and delicious barbeque. Both cities offer a rich tapestry of arts, music, and cultural festivals.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will love both cities. San Diego is home to the Padres (MLB), while Charlotte hosts the Panthers (NFL) and the Hornets (NBA). Both cities also have engaging college sports scenes and host various sporting events.
San Diego, CA
Charlotte, NC
San Diego, CA and 
Charlotte, NC : 2,075.6 miles
