San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and Charlotte, a key player in the banking industry, offer different charms for residents and tourists alike. Both cities have unique personalities that provide diverse opportunities in terms of employment, education, and lifestyle. Though they differ in weather, cost of living, and tax structure, each has its unique pros and cons. This comparison can provide a clear perspective to anyone considering relocation or even a short visit.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Charlotte, NC : 2,273.3 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 12%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Charlotte has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) during that time.
San Jose generally has a higher crime rate compared to Charlotte. According to Neighborhood Scout, San Jose's crime rate is 63 incidents per 1,000 residents. However, residents feel safe with high visibility of local law enforcement. Conversely, Charlotte has a lower crime rate, with 42 incidents per 1,000 residents.
Cost of Living
Living in San Jose is significantly more expensive than in Charlotte due to the high housing costs associated with California's expansive tech industry. In contrast, Charlotte offers a more affordable cost of living, allowing for a higher quality of life at a more budget-friendly rate.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax that can reach as high as 13.3%. North Carolina, on the other hand, has a flat rate of 5.25%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both cities are relatively low compared to the national average. San Jose has a rate of 0.793% while Charlotte’s rate is slightly higher at 0.83%.
Sales Tax
California's sales tax is higher, with Santa Clara County (where San Jose is located) having a rate of 9.25%. In contrast, the sales tax in Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, is lower at 7.25%.
Income
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$70,869
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$44,593
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
93.2
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $68,348 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose, nestled within Silicon Valley, has a mix of suburban and urban landscapes with beautiful mountains nearby. Charlotte is slightly hilly, offering residents a varied topography with numerous parks and the nearby Uwharrie National Forest.
When it comes to education, both cities offer quality schooling options. San Jose, due to its proximity to Stanford University and University of California Berkeley, has a vibrant, intellectual culture. Charlotte has a robust public school system and hosts several universities, including University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Queens University of Charlotte.
San Jose is known for its robust economy centered around tech and innovation. It's home to tech giants like Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe Systems. However, Charlotte is renowned for banking and finance, hosting Bank of America’s headquarters and major offices for Wells Fargo.
Biggest Employers
Some of the largest employers in San Jose include IBM, Cisco Systems, and Santa Clara County. Charlotte's biggest employers are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Atrium Health.
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% 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 Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
2020
72.7%
66.8%
25.2%
31.6%
2.1%
1.6%
2016
72.7%
62.3%
20.6%
32.9%
6.7%
4.8%
2012
70.0%
60.8%
27.1%
38.3%
2.9%
0.9%
2008
69.6%
62.0%
28.6%
37.6%
1.8%
0.5%
2004
64.3%
51.7%
34.8%
48.0%
0.9%
0.3%
2000
60.7%
48.4%
34.4%
51.1%
4.9%
0.5%
1996
56.9%
48.6%
32.2%
45.9%
11.0%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
8.5%
6.0%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.3%
1.8%
1.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
9.0%
7.7%
19.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
1.2%
2.3%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.6%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.9%
2.3%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
2.3%
1.1%
1.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.6%
0.8%
1.9%
Weather
San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, mild winters, with an average annual high temperature of 72.6°F. Charlotte, on the other hand, experiences four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and predominantly mild winters, the average annual high temperature is 70.6°F.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
61°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
72.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
41%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
44.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
10.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
18.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
69.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
56%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
San Jose
Charlotte
2018
94
75
0.49
0.24
14.5
6.3
22.2
27.8
0.006
N/A
15.5
N/A
12.5
8.2
0.2
0.2
2017
91
77
0.50
0.25
14.6
7.0
23.5
28.0
0.004
N/A
16.3
N/A
10.2
8.8
0.2
0.2
2016
69
82
0.47
0.25
13.7
7.6
22.4
28.7
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
8.4
0.2
0.2
2015
84
76
0.52
0.25
15.4
8.1
22.3
27.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.6
0.3
0.2
2014
83
76
0.40
0.26
13.9
8.5
21.5
26.3
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
9.3
0.2
0.3
2013
90
71
0.41
0.29
15.2
8.4
20.8
25.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
8.6
0.3
0.3
2012
74
95
0.35
0.28
13.3
8.7
21.8
27.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
9.7
0.3
0.3
2011
83
94
0.37
0.34
14.8
10.1
20.6
28.9
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
11.2
0.3
0.6
2010
88
97
0.35
0.33
14.4
11.8
20.4
28.0
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
11.6
0.4
1.0
2009
89
82
0.40
0.30
14.7
10.0
18.2
25.4
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
11.1
0.3
0.9
2008
100
102
0.45
0.32
16.7
11.2
20.6
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.6
13.0
N/A
2.1
2007
92
108
0.44
0.37
16.6
13.9
20.0
29.1
0.009
0.001
N/A
N/A
11.1
14.5
N/A
3.0
2006
100
107
0.46
0.44
18.0
13.9
21.8
27.3
N/A
0.000
N/A
N/A
11.1
14.8
N/A
3.3
2005
95
109
0.68
0.53
18.6
14.6
20.0
30.6
N/A
0.000
N/A
N/A
11.6
15.2
N/A
2.7
2004
98
89
0.63
0.53
18.5
14.6
20.4
28.9
N/A
0.001
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
N/A
2.8
2003
87
85
0.73
0.57
20.6
15.6
19.1
27.6
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2002
78
103
0.65
0.63
19.5
15.3
18.0
32.6
0.006
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
2001
75
108
0.61
0.72
18.5
17.5
16.8
32.3
0.008
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
2000
65
107
0.66
0.79
18.9
18.0
15.6
32.6
0.009
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
111.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
79%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
9%
Transportation
Both cities have efficient public transportation systems. San Jose's system includes the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Caltrain, and BART. Charlotte relies on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and an effective freeway system.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
553
439
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Bicycle
1%
0.1%
Bus
1.1%
1.2%
Carpooled
11.4%
8.7%
Car alone
80.5%
86.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.4%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0%
0.2%
Walked
3.3%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Average
29.2 min
29.6 min
Other means
27.9 min
24.9 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
44.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
90%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
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
Real estate in San Jose is highly valued, with median home prices well above the national average. In contrast, Charlotte's real estate market is more affordable, making homeownership more achievable for many residents.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods. In San Jose, neighborhoods like Willow Glen, Rose Garden, and Almaden Valley are coveted. In Charlotte, neighborhoods such as Myers Park, Ballantyne, and Plaza-Midwood are popular.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Houses
340,561
393,631
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.5
Median year apartment built
1979
1998
Median year house/condo built
1973
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
365,269 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
193,930 (53.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
171,339 (46.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$1,482
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,302
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$445,491
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$321,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$388,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$184,325
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$178,624
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$433,957
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$52,977
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$296,370
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$378,423
Median house age
45
26
Renting percentage
41.5%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,624.8
House value disparities
21.2%
33.3%
Household income disparities
38.3%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$105,905
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$70,681
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
3,089 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
10,553 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
142,912 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
171 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
13,532 (9.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Charlotte
One, detached
50.9%
52.7%
One, attached
11.5%
9.1%
Two
1.1%
0.9%
3 or 4
5.0%
2.9%
5 to 9
5.1%
7.1%
10 to 19
4.5%
9.5%
20 to 49
4.5%
6.2%
50 or more
14.2%
10.3%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
25,780
State government workers
10,222
16,519
Unpaid family workers
472
1,214
Industries and Occupations
In San Jose, industries are mainly composed of technology, education, and healthcare sectors. Charlotte, in contrast, sees a dominance of banking and financial services, energy, and healthcare industries.
Both cities have high-quality healthcare systems. San Jose has numerous hospitals and clinics including Stanford Health Care. Charlotte boasts the Carolinas Medical Center and the Levine Children’s Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose offers world-class infrastructure, including airports, highways, and public transit systems. Similarly, Charlotte is well developed with a sound infrastructure and services such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport and an efficient public transit system known as CATS.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Charlotte
Hospitals
20
37
TV stations
9
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
145
202
Bank institutions located here
25
26
Main business address for public companies
74
33
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Charlotte
1999
3,839
3,049
2000
2,577
1,568
2001
1,953
1,382
2002
1,908
1,275
2003
3,578
1,879
2004
5,489
2,415
2005
6,994
3,078
2006
6,324
3,864
2007
4,298
3,106
2008
2,419
1,287
2009
1,631
617
Culture and Food
San Jose hosts a diverse culture and boasts of excellent food, including multicultural cuisines due to its diverse population. Charlotte is known for its Southern hospitality, vibrant arts scene, and is a hub for food lovers especially for those who enjoy barbecue.
Sports Teams
San Jose is home to NHL's San Jose Sharks and the MLS' San Jose Earthquakes. Charlotte hosts the NFL's Carolina Panthers, NBA's Charlotte Hornets, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
San Jose, CA
Charlotte, NC
San Jose, CA and 
Charlotte, NC : 2,273.3 miles
