Question 1

Is Denver or Raleigh cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Raleigh, NC is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $275/month less than in Denver, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,089/mo in Denver versus $1,750/mo in Raleigh.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Denver vs Raleigh?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,500/year before tax in Denver, CO and $78,500/year in Raleigh, NC — a difference of about $6,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Denver or Raleigh cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Raleigh, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $11,167/month in Denver and $9,872/month in Raleigh, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Denver or Raleigh?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Raleigh costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Denver54	Raleigh75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,499	$4,224
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,167	$9,872
Salary for comfort	$84,500/yr	$78,500/yr
Typical rent	$2,089	$1,750
Median home value	$586,700	$377,800
Median household income	$91,681	$82,424
Unemployment	4.1%	3.1%
Housing score	30	56
Jobs score	44	88
Safety score	35	59
Climate score	74	100
Amenities score	64	62
Population	713.7K	470.8K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 17°	90° / 31°

Denver, CO vs Raleigh, NC