Quick answer
Raleigh has a median home value of $377,800 and rent of $1,468/month; Charlotte sits at $351,500 and $1,504/month. Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $78,438 in Charlotte. Pick based on the job, neighborhood and commute you will actually have.
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $377,800 | $351,500 |
| Median rent | $1,468/mo | $1,504/mo |
| Household income | $82,424 | $78,438 |
| Population change | +1.1% | +1.3% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 331 | 331 |
| Home value ÷ income | 4.6× | 4.5× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | Yes |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Verify school assignment by address with the district — never by ZIP.
- 2Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 3Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 4Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 5Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 6Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Raleigh vs. Charlotte for Families
Raleigh has a median home value of $377,800 and rent of $1,468/month; Charlotte sits at $351,500 and $1,504/month. Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $78,438 in Charlotte. Pick based on the job, neighborhood and commute you will actually have.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
