Is Denver, CO cheaper than Durham, NC?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 31.6% more expensive than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

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

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

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Durham, 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC 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.

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$411K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$513K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K 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: Durham, NC vs Denver, CO

Category	Durham, NC	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $780more	31.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $178more	13.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.9%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$632/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$519/mo	↓ $27.32less	5.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 31.6%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$780

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$178

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Durham, NC

$959

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

📦Other

↑ 3.9%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$66.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Durham, NC

$601

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$30.98

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$27.32

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Durham, 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$1,430

To$1,720

↑ $290

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,840

↑ $320

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$2,190

↑ $460

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,870

↑ $730

Durham, 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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,098

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Denver

$411K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 25% more expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham 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

Durham, 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

Durham, 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.