Is Denver, CO cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 15.8% more expensive than Cary, NC. This translates to spending an extra $1188 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Cary, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $164,254.031 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 49.3% more expensive than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Cary, NC to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1188 more per month than Cary, NC, or $14254 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Cary, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.3K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 15.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,188

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$14.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$514K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:116

Median Home:$513K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cary, NC vs Denver, CO

Category	Cary, NC	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,175/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,073more	49.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $205more	16.3%
📦Other	$1,672/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $103more	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $80.09more	8.4%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$632/mo	↑ $37.33more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$519/mo	↓ $21.55less	4.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 49.3%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,073

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.3%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$205

📦Other

↑ 6.2%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$103

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.4%

Cary, NC

$949

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$80.09

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.3%

Cary, NC

$595

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$37.33

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.0%

Cary, NC

$541

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$21.55

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Cary, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$1,720

↑ $439

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,840

↑ $496

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$2,190

↑ $717

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$2,870

↑ $1,023

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,477

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Denver

$514K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$481K - $548K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Calculate payment - Cary Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $525

Per year

Monthly Difference

$43.75

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.