Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Raleigh, NC

Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Raleigh, NC

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

12.5% Raleigh, NC is cheaper overall
21.2% 21.2% cheaper housing
4.0% 4.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.2% cheaper
Denver
132
Raleigh
104
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Raleigh
97
🚗 Transportation 8.6% cheaper
Denver
105
Raleigh
96
🏥 Healthcare 3.8% cheaper
Denver
104
Raleigh
100
⚡ Utilities 2.1% more
Denver
96
Raleigh
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Raleigh, NC Difference
Overall Cost Index1129812.5% less
Housing13210421.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,35016.7% less
Median Home Price$540,000$385,00028.7% less
Groceries101974.0% less
Transportation105968.6% less
Healthcare1041003.8% less
Utilities96982.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Raleigh, NC
State Income Tax4.40%4.50%
State Sales Tax2.90%4.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.70%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Raleigh outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Raleigh to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Raleigh (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Raleigh3.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Raleigh3.9%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Raleigh24 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Raleigh30
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Raleigh35
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Raleigh60°F
Population
Denver713,252
Raleigh469,698

Moving from Denver to Raleigh?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and Raleigh → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Raleigh →

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Portland → Raleigh vs Phoenix → Raleigh vs Chicago → Raleigh vs Miami →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Raleigh cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 21.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Raleigh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,350/month in Raleigh — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Raleigh?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to Raleigh?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $78,000 in Raleigh. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs Raleigh?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $385,000 in Raleigh — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while North Carolina averages 0.70%.