Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Asheville is 8% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $68,644 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 Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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