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Moving from North Carolina to Colorado

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast. vs. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

NC state flag
Living now

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Median household income $66,186 · winter low 30°F · 213 sunny days

Research Triangle boom, banking, mountains + coast.

CO state flag
Moving to

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

Colorado has an overall price level 103.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Carolina
94.3
Colorado
103.1
Colorado has 9.3% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Carolina
81.4
Colorado
127.4
Colorado has 57% higher housing costs
Groceries index
North Carolina
96.6
Colorado
98.7
Colorado has 2.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Carolina
99.1
Colorado
100.5
Colorado has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
North Carolina
16.3 ¢/kWh
Colorado
16.5 ¢/kWh
Colorado has 1.8% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Carolina
98.9
Colorado
100.6
Colorado has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
North Carolina
$333,000
Colorado
$574,600
Colorado is 73% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Carolina
$1,338/mo
Colorado
$1,822/mo
Colorado is 36% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Carolina
88°F
Colorado
86°F
Colorado is 2.3% less summer highs
Avg winter low
North Carolina
30°F
Colorado
18°F
Colorado is 40% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
North Carolina
59°F
Colorado
46°F
Colorado is 22% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Carolina
213
Colorado
245
Colorado has 15% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Carolina
50 in
Colorado
17 in
Colorado is 67% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Carolina
54
Colorado
49
Colorado has 9.3% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
North Carolina
0
Colorado
8
Snow / year
North Carolina
6 in
Colorado
69 in
Colorado is 1050% more annual snowfall

Get the full North CarolinaColorado report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Colorado than North Carolina?

Colorado's overall price level is roughly 103 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for North Carolina, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

North Carolina tops out at 3.99% income tax. Colorado tops out at 4.4%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Colorado?

Most Colorado residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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