Is Denver, CO cheaper than Charlotte, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 13.4% more expensive than Charlotte, NC. This translates to spending an extra $1005 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Charlotte, NC, you'd need approximately $162,061.856 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 31.6% more expensive than in Charlotte, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1005 more per month than Charlotte, NC, or $12062 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Charlotte, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.1K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,005

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.1K

Per year

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

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$399K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$513K

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major banking center
•NASCAR headquarters
•Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

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: Charlotte, NC vs Denver, CO

Category	Charlotte, NC	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $780more	31.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $260more	21.6%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$989/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $39.97more	4.0%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$632/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$519/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 31.6%

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$780

🚗Transportation

↑ 21.6%

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$260

📦Other

↑ 3.9%

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$66.96

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.0%

Charlotte, NC

$989

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$39.97

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Charlotte, NC

$638

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$6.20

less

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Charlotte, NC

$519

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Charlotte, 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$1,630

To$1,720

↑ $90.00

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,840

↑ $130

2 Bed

From$1,870

To$2,190

↑ $320

3 Bed

From$2,300

To$2,870

↑ $570

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/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.

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,140

Difference

Home Values

Charlotte

Denver

$399K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +40.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$293K - $1.57M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 29% more expensive than Charlotte

Calculate payment - Charlotte 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

Charlotte, 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

Charlotte, 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.