Is Denver, CO cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 31.6% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

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

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

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Raleigh, 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.

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$513K

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

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: Raleigh, NC vs Denver, CO

Category	Raleigh, 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%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$780

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$178

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

📦Other

↑ 3.9%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$66.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$30.98

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.0%

Raleigh, 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%)

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$1,570

To$1,720

↑ $150

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,840

↑ $200

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,190

↑ $390

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,870

↑ $615

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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 Raleigh, NC

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,098

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Denver

$512K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Calculate payment - Raleigh 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

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

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

Raleigh, 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.