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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Denver is 34% more expensive than Raleigh.

$1,770/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↓ 17%
$91,681/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↓ 10%
$586,700 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$377,800 ↓ 36%
$1,839/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↓ 19%
713,734
Population
470,763

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 Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $9,257/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Denver or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Raleigh?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Raleigh?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $9,257/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 Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Raleigh details →

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