Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Charlotte is 15% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $63,559 in Charlotte.
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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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