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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Denver is 47% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,770/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 26%
$91,681/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 40%
$1,839/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 25%
713,734
Population
118,578

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $27,781/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Denver or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Wilmington?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Wilmington?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $27,781/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 Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Wilmington details →

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