Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Asheville is 27% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $54,730 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Boulder sits at 230 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $750,000 in Boulder, a difference of $390,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $2,300 in Boulder.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Boulder scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Boulder (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $73,123 in Boulder. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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