Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Cary, NC (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Denver is 9% more expensive than Cary.

$1,770/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 8%
$91,681/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 41%
$586,700 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 10%
$1,839/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 5%
713,734
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $37,718/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Cary — common questions

Is Denver or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Cary?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Cary?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $37,718/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Cary details →

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