Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 11.8% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $886 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $139,363.636 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 24.0% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Moving from Denver, CO to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $886 per month, or $10636 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $886/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$886

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.6K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$512K

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Denver, CO	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $780less	24.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $178less	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$546/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$780

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.1%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$178

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Denver, CO

$632

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Denver, CO

$519

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, 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$1,720

To$1,570

↓ $150

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,640

↓ $200

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,800

↓ $390

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$2,255

↓ $615

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,098

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Raleigh

$513K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $525

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$43.75

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

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

Raleigh, 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

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.