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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Raleigh is 28% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,468/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 23%
$82,424/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 38%
$377,800 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 59%
$1,487/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 31%
470,763
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $30,972/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Arvada — common questions

Is Raleigh or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Arvada?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Arvada?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $30,972/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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