Charlotte, NC vs Oakland, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Charlotte
68.1
#1344 nationally
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 26). Charlotte leads in cost of living index (102 vs 155). Charlotte leads in school rating (6.5 vs 4.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.1 (#1344) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 897,720 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,231 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $71,659 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 27.1 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 73 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | High |
| School Rating | 6.5 | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+53.6 |
D+
68.1 Score
Charlotte, NC
Banking capital of the South
Median Home
$397,231
Population
897,720
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Charlotte, NC →
D-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →