Charlotte, North Carolina, and Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee, are dynamic cities with vibrant cultures, strong economies, and robust infrastructure. Generally, Charlotte has a lower cost of living, a strong banking industry, and enjoys a slightly milder climate. In contrast, Nashville-Davidson is renowned for its music scene, thriving health care industry, and higher property values due to more tourism. Each city has unique characteristics that can appeal to people considering relocation or visiting as a tourist.
Distance between
Charlotte, NC and
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 339.3 miles
Charlotte's population is larger by 30%. Its population has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) since 2000. The population of Nashville-Davidson has grown by 133,327 people (24.4%) during that time.
In terms of crime and safety, both Charlotte and Nashville-Davidson have areas where crime is more prevalent, which is common in any large urban area. However, when comparing the two, Nashville-Davidson has a slightly higher crime rate than Charlotte. It’s important for residents and tourists alike to research neighborhoods and stay aware of their surroundings. Both cities have committed efforts to improve safety with large city police forces and community programs.
Cost of Living
Comparatively, Charlotte’s cost of living is slightly lower than Nashville-Davidson. Affordable housing, utilities and transportation make Charlotte's overall living expenses less. However, Nashville-Davidson's cost of living has been increasing with its popularity as a tourist destination and relocation hot spot.
Income Tax
North Carolina, home to Charlotte, imposes a flat income tax rate of 5.25%. Tennessee does not have a state income tax, making Nashville-Davidson an appealing option to those with higher personal incomes.
Property Tax
Charlotte notably has lower property taxes compared to Nashville-Davidson. This could impact a decision to purchase real estate in either city, especially for long-term residents.
Sales Tax
Charlotte has a combined state and city sales tax rate of 7.25%, while Nashville-Davidson has a higher combined sales tax rate of 9.25%. This difference may affect the overall cost of living in each city, particularly for larger purchases.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$64,857
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$42,268
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
90.9
If you make $50,000 in Nashville-Davidson, you will have to make $51,265 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte, located in the Piedmont region, is characterized by gentle rolling hills, offering great outdoor activities. Nashville-Davidson, located in central Tennessee, offers a similar landscape and is known for the Cumberland River, around which the city is built.
Both cities provide quality education. Charlotte offers superior school choices, including many highly rated public and private schools. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and other higher education institutions offer extensive options for advanced studies. Nashville-Davidson boasts Vanderbilt University and various other prestigious educational institutions, making it a viable choice for families prioritizing education.
Charlotte's economy is anchored on the banking sector, being the second-largest banking headquarters in the U.S. Nashville-Davidson, though diverse, has a strong presence in the healthcare industry. Both cities have growing tech sectors, creating lots of job opportunities for residents.
Biggest Employers
In Charlotte, the largest employers are Atrium Health, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. On the other hand, Vanderbilt University, the State Government, and Nissan North America are major employers in Nashville-Davidson.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Nashville-Davidson (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
2020
66.8%
65.0%
31.6%
32.6%
1.6%
2.3%
2016
62.3%
60.1%
32.9%
34.1%
4.8%
5.7%
2012
60.8%
58.5%
38.3%
39.9%
0.9%
1.6%
2008
62.0%
60.0%
37.6%
39.0%
0.5%
1.0%
2004
51.7%
54.9%
48.0%
44.6%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
48.4%
57.9%
51.1%
40.4%
0.5%
1.7%
1996
48.6%
79.3%
45.9%
18.1%
5.5%
2.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
14.1%
19.0%
19.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
4.9%
1.8%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.1%
1.1%
0.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.5%
1.3%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.2%
1.8%
0.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.8%
1.9%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
1.1%
1.5%
1.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.8%
1.2%
1.4%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
0.0%
1.0%
0.1%
0.5%
Weather
Weather in both cities falls within southern climate norms. Charlotte experiences a milder, subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The hottest months can reach up to the 90s, while winter is usually gentle, with rare snowfall. Nashville-Davidson experiences similar weather, although it can get slightly cooler in winter and hotter in summer due to its geographical setting.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Temperature - Average
61°F
58.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
49 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
17.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
17.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
59.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
42%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
7.7 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
2018
75
71
0.24
0.40
6.3
13.8
27.8
24.1
N/A
N/A
15.5
15.2
8.2
9.2
0.2
0.2
2017
77
70
0.25
0.38
7.0
14.4
28.0
26.8
N/A
N/A
16.3
15.3
8.8
8.7
0.2
0.1
2016
82
90
0.25
0.42
7.6
16.1
28.7
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
10.1
0.2
0.0
2015
76
68
0.25
0.43
8.1
15.5
27.6
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
10.8
0.2
0.1
2014
76
66
0.26
N/A
8.5
N/A
26.3
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
9.8
0.3
1.4
2013
71
62
0.29
N/A
8.4
N/A
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
9.7
0.3
N/A
2012
95
81
0.28
N/A
8.7
N/A
27.3
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
11.0
0.3
2.3
2011
94
81
0.34
N/A
10.1
N/A
28.9
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
11.0
0.6
1.7
2010
97
80
0.33
N/A
11.8
N/A
28.0
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
12.2
1.0
2.2
2009
82
72
0.30
N/A
10.0
N/A
25.4
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
11.5
0.9
2.4
2008
102
81
0.32
N/A
11.2
N/A
27.6
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
13.4
2.1
2.5
2007
108
99
0.37
N/A
13.9
N/A
29.1
27.4
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
15.5
3.0
2.7
2006
107
93
0.44
0.69
13.9
N/A
27.3
24.9
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
14.9
3.3
2.9
2005
109
104
0.53
0.56
14.6
N/A
30.6
23.5
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
16.9
2.7
3.1
2004
89
83
0.53
0.61
14.6
N/A
28.9
22.0
0.001
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
2.6
2003
85
93
0.57
0.67
15.6
N/A
27.6
18.5
0.003
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
3.0
3.8
2002
103
92
0.63
0.67
15.3
N/A
32.6
20.2
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
2.7
4.3
2001
108
95
0.72
0.89
17.5
N/A
32.3
19.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.6
3.9
4.5
2000
107
97
0.79
0.74
18.0
N/A
32.6
19.8
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
4.1
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
169.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
296.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
17%
Transportation
Charlotte’s public transport system, run by CATS, offers a combination of bus and light-rail services. Nashville-Davidson's public transportation, operated by WeGo, includes bus services throughout the city, but lacks a comprehensive rapid transit system. Both cities encourage commuting by car, with extensive highway networks.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
439
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Bicycle
0.1%
0.3%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.7%
9.8%
Car alone
86.2%
85.5%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.5%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Average
29.6 min
31.3 min
Other means
24.9 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
44.1 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
90%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
6.9%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Charlotte is generally more affordable, with a mix of modern condominiums and spacious suburban homes. In contrast, Nashville-Davidson's real estate market can be more expensive, particularly in trendy neighborhoods and downtown, reflecting the city's growing appeal to tourists and new residents.
Neighborhoods
Both cities feature diverse neighborhoods. In Charlotte, Dilworth and Myers Park are meet with appeal for their leafy streets and historic homes. In Nashville-Davidson, areas like East Nashville and Germantown are known for their lively cultural scene and historic charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
Houses
393,631
331,262
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1998
1986
Median year house/condo built
1993
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
12.2 years
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
305,247 (92.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
162,426 (53.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
142,821 (46.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$1,391
Median monthly housing costs
$1,302
$1,291
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$221,129
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$346,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$388,029
$437,686
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$184,325
$320,904
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,624
$319,119
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$433,957
$305,249
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,977
$133,346
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$296,370
$328,258
Median house price - All housing units
$378,423
$412,434
Median house age
26
35
Renting percentage
42.6%
44.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
699.9
House value disparities
33.3%
31%
Household income disparities
44.1%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$105,905
$93,092
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,681
$68,871
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
3,189 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
10,988 (9.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
110,850 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
333 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
13,192 (11.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.2%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
One, detached
52.7%
50.9%
One, attached
9.1%
8.4%
Two
0.9%
3.3%
3 or 4
2.9%
3.1%
5 to 9
7.1%
7.1%
10 to 19
9.5%
8.7%
20 to 49
6.2%
5.3%
50 or more
10.3%
11.9%
Mobile homes
1.4%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
31,952
State government workers
16,519
15,693
Unpaid family workers
1,214
463
Industries and Occupations
Charlotte is renowned for its banking sector and is home to companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Other significant industries are healthcare, education, and retail. Nashville-Davidson, while diverse, is prominent for healthcare, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare. The music and entertainment industry is also vibrant, giving rise to many occupations.
Both cities offer top-notch health care facilities. Charlotte boasts Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Nashville-Davidson is renowned globally for its healthcare and research institutions, with Vanderbilt University Medical Center at the forefront.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Charlotte offers a more organized and modern infrastructure, featuring a light rail system, multiple highways, and an international airport. Nashville-Davidson also has a decent infrastructure with good road networks and an international airport, but compared to Charlotte, it's often criticized for a less developed public transportation system.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Charlotte
Nashville-Davidson
1999
3,049
2,397
2000
1,568
1,451
2001
1,382
1,130
2002
1,275
1,075
2003
1,879
2,231
2004
2,415
2,731
2005
3,078
3,231
2006
3,864
3,720
2007
3,106
2,419
2008
1,287
952
2009
617
532
Culture and Food
While Charlotte's cuisine includes traditional southern dishes, its growing cultural diversity can be seen in its range of global flavors. Nashville-Davidson is renowned for its iconic hot chicken and barbecue, and its music scene is vibrant and diverse, earning it the title of “Music City.”
Sports Teams
Both cities are known for their love of sports. Charlotte is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers and the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Nashville-Davidson represents the NFL's Tennessee Titans, NHL's Nashville Predators, and the MLS team Nashville SC.
Charlotte, NC and 
Nashville-Davidson, TN : 339.3 miles
