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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Denver is 40% more expensive than Durham.

$1,770/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 20%
$91,681/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 14%
$586,700 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 39%
$1,839/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 22%
713,734
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $12,447/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Durham — common questions

Is Denver or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Durham?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Durham?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $12,447/year higher in Denver.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Durham details →

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